Felon wants Job as Paramedic

Q: Hi my name is Kelley and I stumbled upon your address via the website How Felons Can Get Jobs. I am writing because I am looking to better myself in life. When I was younger I mad a lot of poor choices and now I fear they will affect my future. I am a recovering alcoholic/drug addict, and I have been sober for over 4 years. All of arrests in the past were alcohol and drug related. I have had unfortunately 4 DUI's. The last one being June 28th 2007. That was the night that my life changed for the better. I was arrested and charged with 3 felonies as well as 4 misdemeanors. Assault with a deadly weapon, evading, and possession of a controlled substance. The misdemeanors were DUI, driving on a suspended license and I can't remember the other 2. This was the most terrifying moment in my life and I made a commitment to change my life right then and there. I had bouts with sobriety in the past but this was my bottom. I knew I had to change and that is what I did. From that point on I have lived a clean and sober life, I attended a rehab voluntarily, I actively attend AA meetings as well. I also volunteer in my community. I strive to better myself in any way I can.

Now I am at a crossroads in my life. I am going to be 39 years old in October and I want to go back to school. I have a dream of becoming a paramedic and serving my community. This is a dream that I had when I was younger but I allowed addiction to steal it away from me. I don't want to live in fear of my past anymore. My wife and I are separating and I need to make a decision for myself. So my question is this: have you ever heard of anyone with a similar past like mine becoming a paramedic or even a firefighter. I am in California and I have looked into it. I was told that I could go to school, but I may not be able to get licensed. I also realize that with my age and my past, I may not be a good candidate. I am willing to do whatever I have to do to achieve my goals. I am willing to do the work to show that I have changed my life. I honestly feel that if I do the work then I deserve a second chance. Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,

Kelley

A: Hello Kelley,

That's quite a story. I know of ex-offenders becoming firefighters. Paramedics and firefighters in many communities are separate entities. My understanding is that in California, some firefighters are paramedics and have to be licensed by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority. My suggestion is that you contact them to see if you are eligible to be licensed . You can find information as well as how to contact them here:

http://www.emsa.ca.gov/paramedic/files/FrequentlyAskedQuestions.pdf

I hope this helps.

I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for over ten years and I feel I have an understanding of what works. I will be updating this blog often. I will answer specific questions relating to getting a job with a criminal record on this blog so feel free to send me your questions. You can send email me at adogzheart2@gmail.com

If you are really serious about getting a job with a criminal record or helping someone you care about get a job, check out this link: From Jail to a Job

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