AboutJohn Grussing Expertise I am able to answer questions related to fire service careers, fire suppression tactics, technical rescue procedures, emergency medical services, as well as fire department management and supervision questions.
Experience I am a 19 year veteran of the Normal, IL. fire department and currently hold the rank of Captain. I am also a past member of the MABAS Div. 41 Technical Rescue Team.
Organizations Golden Key Honor Society
International Association of Firefighters
McLean County EMS communications committee
Publications Fire Engineering Magazine (Roundtable Discussions)
Education/Credentials I hold an Associates degree in Fire Science from Illinois Central College as well as a bachelor of liberal arts degree from Western Illinois University. My emphasis of study was fire and disaster response planning. In addition, I hold numerous certifications in firefighting, Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, and Fire Department Administration from the Illinois Fire Service Institute.
Question Sir, may name is Brian Anderson of Rapid City, South Dakota. I am 33 years old in excellent health, physical strength, great cardio, and awesome attitude. I recently decided to enter the public service arena by entering college for Fire Science. I have one small dilema: I was born without a set of fingers on my left hand. I have never needed a prosthetic and have spent my entire life adapting to it. I am even successful in body building and strength training using free weights ( i bench over 300lbs and curl over 200lbs). The school I desire to attend insists that this is a safety issue and might not let me attend as they say I cannot use an axe or a chain saw. They will not allow me demonstrate my use these either. I use both on a regular basis for cutting wood for a fire place. What can I do?
Answer Brian,
First, to be honest, I would advise you to reconsider your decision to become a firefighter. While it sounds like you have adapted very well to your disability, a situation could arise on the fireground where your lack of digits on both hands could affect the outcome. This could result in injury or death to yourself, a civilian, or another firefighter. There are also many civilian jobs in the fire service such as inspector, investigator, or public education, just to name a few. However, if you are intent on attempting to become a line firefighter there is probably little you can do about school admission. They are a private entity and have the right to set any admission standards they choose. Most departments don't require a degree so go test and if they refuse you a job based on your disability you may be able to sue under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The act basically says that if you can perform all of the job functions on the physical agility test then they have to make a reasonable accomodation for your handicap (such as assigning you to an engine where you wouldn't be operating power tools very often) and hire you. It will be up to the Court to decide what is "reasonable". Here is your other problem though. I find it unlikely that any pension board would accept you for service and you cannot be a public firefighter without participating in the pension fund. Courts are extremely reluctant to intervene in pension board rulings so I think you have an uphill battle on a couple of fronts. I wish you the best of luck!
