A Registered Sex Offender Hired as a Volunteer Firefighter

In Kenockee Township, MI, a registered sex offender has been working as a volunteer firefighter for the past five years. In December of 1992 the volunteer, Willard Hyslop, had pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual assault. He has currently been suspended, but not let go of the position he held at the fire department. Hyslop is now working with a lawyer attempting to clear his record.

As a volunteer firefighter, Hyslop visited many elementary schools and drove in parades. However, Michigan law prohibits sex offenders from being near and or around schools and many residents of the Township are now upset about the whole situation. One concerned resident feels that background checks should “absolutely” be done and was shocked to learn that Hyslop was hired in the first place.

Kenockee Township Fire Chief, Tom Skelton, reports that the fire department has now begun checking firefighter and firefighter candidates’ backgrounds. Previously, they had checked driving records, but have now expanded their background screening process to include felony conviction searches as well.

As this story shows, performing criminal background screening on volunteers has proven to be a necessary step for organizations. Many background screening vendors provide these simple searches for affordable prices and are accessible online.