Expert: Mike Smith - 9/3/2009

Question
Hello,


My name is Steven. I have been a paid professsional Firefighter/EMT for ten years. I worked in a fast truck company in a very busy department in Atlanta,Ga. I was recently terminated back in November because i received 2 dui's within a five year period. These Dui's were post divorce,and I became very depressed when I lost my wife and daughter from divorce,so I turned to alcohol off duty which only made things worse for me. I have never been in any kind of trouble other than the dui's.  My question to you is will I have a good chance at being hired again in the near future given my experience? I have character references from my BC,and captain that I worked under.I start paramedic school this January also hoping this will greatly increase my chances of being hired.  

Answer
Hi Steven,
You do have a problem. It is not because of your work ethic or training, it will be because you are un-insurable. Look to your drivers license division and find out how long this thing will stay on your record. Different states have different rules. Until your DUI's go away, you have a serious problem.
Good luck,
Mike

If I were you: Go to the DMV and find out if it is possible to have the record expunged somehow. Your state may not allow it, but some states do. I would check into it.