Volunteer Firefighters with Criminal Backgrounds Not Welcome in Parker County, Texas

Steve Anderson used to be a volunteer firefighter in Reno, Texas until a background check uncovered a felony conviction of burglary of a habitation, which occurred over 20 years ago. Anderson had to turn in his gear and quit when told by his chief at the Reno Volunteer Fire Department that they could no longer contract with volunteers who had been convicted of felonies or misdemeanors.

Parker County officials cited liability and a standardization of contracts with its 20 volunteer fire departments as reasons for the change. Many of the volunteer fire departments already had rules set up for not working with volunteers who possessed criminal backgrounds.

Anderson is protesting and stated, “I understand not wanting sex offenders or people with multiple DUI’s, but I was just young and stupid. We have some big grass fires out here, and we need all the men willing to help that we can get.”

Parker County Fire Marshal Shawn Scott said only about a dozen of the 400 volunteer firefighters had criminal records and their removal has not impacted the fire fighting coverage. Parker County made the decision to begin background checking volunteer fire fighters late last year after discovering that not all of the departments were doing so.

Anderson’s former fire chief described him as a reliable firefighter and stated, “He’d always show up to fires and his job. I didn’t want to let him go but, if I didn’t, it would probably have jeopardized the department.” He acknowledged that Anderson had told him that he had been in trouble with the law, but did not go into specifics. Furthermore, the department did not complete a background check.

Anderson still hopes to appeal his volunteer status with the board. Chris Barron, executive director of the State Firemen and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas said that the Parker County background checks were not unique and many departments across Texas are adopting the same practice. Barron said, “I’m happy [Anderson] is making a living and doing well with his life, but we have to know and be careful about who we’re sending out into homes and businesses.”

Should Anderson be allowed to be a volunteer firefighter?

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