AboutCaptain Mike Grove Expertise Questions relating to but not limited to:
**Firefighter Entry Exams **Education Requirements **Physical Agility Testing **Interview Process **Scenario Testing
**Todays Emergency Medical Services **Incident Response
**Apparatus Function
**Station Life
**Scene Management
**National Incident Management System.
I possess the ability and willingness to assist those who may be or have family members seeking a future in the fire service or anyone seeking general information relating to promotional opportunities, general fire safety or any other similiar topics.
I have 30 years of full time experience with the city of Overland Park, KS fire department.
Experience 30 year veteran with the City of Overland Park Kansas Fire Department.
Overland Park,a large suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, is the second most populous city in Kansas with a population of 166,000
Overland Park ranks as one of the most progressive departments, as well as cities, in the United States. In 2006 CNN/Money Magazine ranked it 6th on it's "100 Best Cities to live in the United States". A recent 2007 article by National Geographic Magazine lists Overland Park as one of the top 50 US destinations.
Our department seems to grow daily and currently staffs approximately 160 paid fire and EMS personnel covering 69 square miles of territory with five stations. Our training facility is nothing less than state of the art with live computer controlled burn props on several floors of it's five story tower. A recently added Command and Control Center has added a new dimension to our regional wide response to large incidents.
I currently carry the rank of Captain/EMT. To this day I totally love my job and department as well as those individuals I work with. My family members include three brothers in the fire service as well as three in law enforcement. My father was a fire chief with a midwest fire department before he retired after 32 years of service. I am willing and able to answer questions on any fire/EMS related subject you may have. I can help with questions related to entry level testing as well as the physical agility and the interview process. I will do my best to answer any and all questions to your satisfaction in a timely manner.
Education/Credentials Associates of Applied Science in Fire Science Firefighter I/II/III Certification / Kansas University Fire Instructor I / Kansas University Emergency Medical Techician Certification Fire Officer I Certification / Kansas University HazardousMaterials Recognition and Identification Scene Safety Officer Certification / National Fire Academy Incident Command System / National Fire Academy Incident Management System / University of Missouri, Columbia National Incident Management System Certification / National Fire Academy Command and Control of Target Hazards / National Fire Academy
I've alwaysed wanted to be a firefighter but i made huge mistakes in life and have three misdemeanors(DUI,assault,battery). im trying to reedem myself and planning on joining the air force (im 22 yrs old) to straighten up my life but when i get out will i have a chance in joining the fire service? also my friend is persuing the same dream but he has a felony and got it expunged so he wants to join the air force with me and then try to join the fire service, does he have a chance?
Answer Hello Tony:
You're doing the right thing by joining the AirForce. My son is in Italy at Aviano AFB. He's been in two years and really likes it. The other thing about military time is that it looks good to the fire service. You see the fire department is basically a para-military organization so prior military service fits right in. By serving time in the military you also show commitment which is a trait the the FD also likes. Actually I was a Marine but if I had to do it all over I would definitely go with the Air Force. The reason why is that they really push education and you can get a degree while serving. In todays world you MUST have a college degree to succeed.
Where have blemishes on your record is not good it does not disqualify you from becoming a firefighter.I know several people who have similar records and been hired. The background check that is done is basically to look for a history of criminal activity. Again your military service will show that you have changed. Everyone makes a mistake. It's the habitual mistakes that kill you. If friend had his felony expunged he's good to go. Expunged will erase any mention of felony during a background check.
Tony please fell free to contact me with any questions you may have. I am also familiar with the AirForce procedures since my since has signed up.
