According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 1,041,200 firefighters in the United States as of 2022—comprising 364,300 career firefighters and 676,900 volunteers.
On the flip side, over 19 million Americans have felony convictions, as reported by the Sentencing Project. That’s roughly 1 in 10 adult Americans.
With firefighter shortages becoming more common in rural and urban communities alike, and criminal justice reform gaining momentum, the intersection of these two numbers raises a critical question:
Can a person with a felony conviction become a firefighter in the United States?
Yes, but it depends—on the state you live in, the nature of your offense, how long ago it happened, and how much you’ve rehabilitated.
State-by-State Laws: No One-Size-Fits-All Rule
✔ States Where Felons Can Become Firefighters
In many states, felons can apply to become firefighters if their offense wasn’t violent, sexual, or related to arson. These states include:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- Ohio
- Illinois
- North Carolina
- Michigan
However, each of these states has their own licensing boards and firefighter certification agencies, so the process isn’t uniform.
In California, a felony doesn’t automatically disqualify you. But you may be denied EMT certification, which is required by most departments.
States With Strict or Lifetime Bans
Some states are far less forgiving. These include:
- Georgia (Firefighters must be of “good moral character,” and felony convictions are heavily scrutinized)
- Mississippi (Felony arson = permanent disqualification)
- Alabama
- Arkansas
In these states, even non-violent felonies could be enough to bar someone for life unless they get a pardon or expungement.
What Kind of Felonies Disqualify You?
Not all felonies are treated the same when it comes to firefighter hiring. Here’s a breakdown:
| Felony Type | Disqualifying? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arson | ✅ Yes | Nearly always a permanent ban |
| Sexual Offenses | ✅ Yes | Especially against minors |
| Violent Crimes (e.g., murder) | ✅ Often | May disqualify permanently |
| Drug Offenses | ❌ Maybe | Depends on time passed & rehabilitation |
| Theft / Property Crimes | ❌ Maybe | Assessed case-by-case |
| White-collar Crimes | ❌ Maybe | Rarely a permanent disqualifier unless fraud was severe |
Fire departments will review how long ago the crime occurred, whether you were incarcerated or just convicted, and how you’ve lived since.
Can Felons Attend Firefighter Academy?
Generally Yes—But Not Always Easy
Many community colleges and technical schools don’t explicitly ban felons from applying to fire academies. But some require a clean background check because:
- Fire academies often include ride-alongs with active fire departments
- Some states require EMT certification as part of training, which may reject felons
Example: California
The California State Fire Marshal doesn’t bar felons from fire academy admission, but they must pass an EMT background check, which includes Live Scan fingerprinting through the Department of Justice.
More Opportunities: Does Frito-Lay Hire Felons?
EMT Certification for Firefighters: A Major Hurdle
In 46 out of 50 states, firefighters are required to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) states that:
“Criminal convictions may disqualify applicants, especially violent felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude.”
But here’s the good news: NREMT evaluates on a case-by-case basis. Many felons have been accepted, especially when:
- The offense occurred more than 7–10 years ago
- There was no harm to children or vulnerable populations
- You can provide letters of recommendation and proof of rehabilitation
Background Checks: What Fire Departments Look For?
Most fire departments will run a thorough national background check that includes:
- FBI fingerprint scans
- Driving records (yes, DUIs count)
- Past employment history
- Criminal court records
- Drug test results
They’re not just checking for a “record”—they’re asking:
- Is this person trustworthy under pressure?
- Can they be relied on in emergencies?
- Will they represent the department and community well?
Second-Chance Hiring Programs & Fire Departments That Hire Felons
While not every department will say it publicly, some are open to hiring rehabilitated felons.
Notable Examples:
- Los Angeles County Fire Department (California): Has considered felons on a case-by-case basis.
- Austin Fire Department (Texas): Allows applications from those with non-violent felony convictions, especially if the offense is over 10 years old.
- Phoenix Fire Department (Arizona): Offers programs in conjunction with community corrections and reentry programs.
Some non-profits and reentry organizations also offer training programs:
- The Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) in California
- Firehouse Community Arts Center in Chicago
- Turning Leaf Project in South Carolina
How Felons Can Increase Their Chances of Becoming Firefighters?
If you’ve got a felony on your record and a fire in your heart, here’s how to start:
Get the Right Certifications
- First Aid & CPR
- Firefighter I and II
- HazMat Awareness
Start as a Volunteer or Wildland Firefighter
- Wildland firefighting programs (like in California’s CalFire) often have lower entry barriers.
Apply for Record Expungement or Pardon
- Many states allow you to expunge or seal a non-violent felony after 5–10 years.
- Some states offer a Governor’s pardon or “Certificate of Rehabilitation.”
Build Character References
- Gather letters from pastors, former employers, parole officers, or teachers.
- Attend community service and firefighting volunteer events.
Case Studies
Andre Lewis from Sacramento, CA, was convicted of a non-violent drug offense at 19. After serving 4 years in prison, he enrolled in a wildland firefighting program while on parole. He later joined a local fire academy and was hired by a private fire contractor at 29.
“They said they were hiring people, not records. I’ll never forget that,” said Lewis.
Final Thought
Yes, felons can become firefighters—but it’s not a walk in the park. It depends on the state, the type of felony, and the effort you’ve made to turn your life around. While some barriers are tough, they’re not always permanent. With time, training, and proof of real change, many have gone from a troubled past to proudly serving their communities. Don’t let your record define your future—let your actions do that.
FAQs
Can a felon volunteer as a firefighter?
Yes, in some states and counties. Volunteer departments often have less rigid standards.
Will expunging my record help?
Absolutely. Expungement hides your record from most employers and increases your odds significantly.
What if I was convicted as a juvenile?
Most juvenile records are sealed, unless the crime was serious. Always check your state’s rules.
Can I work as a firefighter without EMT certification?
Rarely. Most departments require EMT certification. However, wildland and industrial firefighting may not.
