Firefighter Mock Interview
Practice 35 Firefighter interview questions covering situational scenarios, physical fitness, and emergency response judgment.
Question 23 of 35
If you saw a coworker taking advantage of the fire department, stealing, etc., what would you do?
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Community Answers
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Firefighters protect life and property and are held to high standards. One of the traits of being a Firefighter is honesty. If a coworker is stealing or somehow taking advantage of the fire department in another way, that person cannot be trusted with the public and their property. An interviewer will want to see if you have the integrity to stand up to a coworker and help the department maintain its professional standards.
Each fire department has policies and procedures that may include what to do if you witness a coworker taking advantage of the department. First, you must follow the department's guidelines in this event. If your department does not have such policies, the interviewer will rely on your morals and ethics to do what is right.
The interviewer wants to hear that you will talk to your coworker to determine if they are taking advantage of the department before concluding they are acting inappropriately. You should not automatically assume they are taking advantage of the department without asking questions first. If you do not have a resolution after speaking with your coworker, you should follow the chain of command to voice your concerns. Describe what you would do in this situation, using an example from a previous job if you have one.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"If I saw a coworker stealing something from the department, I would approach them and ask them what they are doing and give them a chance to explain. If I felt as if they were not truthful in their response, I would report them to my immediate supervisor."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer does not want to hear that you would ignore the situation or angrily confront your coworker. If you ignore the problem, it shows that you do not wish to become involved and that you might not have the department's best interests in mind.
If you angrily confront your coworker, it shows the interviewer that you need to work on your communication and conflict resolution skills. If you immediately jump to conclusions that your coworker is taking advantage of the department, you are not giving them a chance to explain what they are doing.
How you respond also gives the interviewer insight into your leadership skills and standing up for what is right. Having the department's best interests in mind shows the interviewer that you are a loyal and dedicated employee.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I had this happen recently in my volunteer department. I saw a coworker taking a chainsaw off the apparatus and putting it in the back of their truck before leaving their shift. I asked them what they were doing with the chainsaw, and I was told they had a tree they needed to remove on their property, and they were going to borrow the saw for a few hours. I asked if they had permission from our Captain, which they did not. I explained that if we needed the chainsaw on a call, we would be without it and that they needed to speak with the Captain about borrowing it. After speaking with the Captain, my coworker put the saw back on the rig because the Captain denied their request."
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Anonymous Answer
If I saw a coworker taking advantage of the fire department, I would try and talk to them in a private setting. If their explanation seemed truthful, I would ask him to not do it again. However, if I catch him a second time I would tell my supervisor or whoever is in charge.
Amanda's Feedback
While it's appropriate to speak directly to the person to make sure you are correctly understanding the situation at hand, if the individual actually was stealing, it's important to emphasize that you'd report the incident. Virtually every employer values honesty and integrity at all levels, but it's an exceptionally high standard for those in public service roles because firehouses are often run using community tax dollars. It's important to emphasize that you share those values and would report any incidence of stealing as a reflection of your own honesty and as a protector of the community.
Anonymous Answer
I would first talk to the coworker and try and resolve the issue by telling them to stop. I believe that a problem or issue can usually be solved in a calm and professional discussion with anyone. If the situation keeps occurring or the individual stealing or causing the issues continues to do so, then I would go to my higher-ranking officer and tell them what the situation is and see if he can help with resolving the issue.
Amanda's Feedback
Honesty and integrity are vital characteristics valued by all employers. I appreciate that your answer shows you'd take action and approach the individual to make sure you understand the situation accurately. However, as an employee who serves the public in a role often supported by public funds, it's especially important that you confirm you'd report any theft in order to ensure the community's funds are used appropriately.
Anonymous Answer
If I saw a co-worker stealing something I would first make sure that I actually saw them steal something. If I was certain they stole something I would pull them to the side and ask them about it privately. If I feel like they were being untruthful or if they actually did steal something I would inform my immediate superior.
Amanda's Feedback
Integrity and honesty are key values that every employer wants to see in employees. I appreciate that your answer shows you'd first take the initiative to verify what you saw by speaking directly with your coworker. Then, if theft did occur, it's important that your answer also confirm that you'd report the theft because you value honesty and integrity in all areas of life. Because fire departments typically work for the public, it's also important that your response shows a commitment to transparency and keeping the public's trust by relating that you'd do your best to ensure tax dollars and public funds or equipment aren't misappropriated by reporting such a scenario.
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