Wes: Fair Chance for a Firefighter
Growing up in Kentucky, Wesley Doak loved baseball. He played into college, when a sports injury sparked a years-long addiction to pain killers. When recalling that time, Wes said, “I honestly couldn’t see a way out.”
Meet Wes
Wes’ life trajectory had shifted drastically, and his addiction finally caught up with him. When he stood in front of a judge who offered him five years’ probation in exchange for entering a long-term treatment program, Wes decided to commit to treatment. After nearly a year in the program, he felt a calling to join the fire academy, but he wasn’t eligible due to his drug-related criminal record.
90% of Americans eligible to have their records sealed or expunged do not apply.
Expunging or sealing criminal records increases employment and career opportunities, improves housing and financial opportunities, and lowers rates of recidivism.
Learn About Kentucky
Learn about the civil legal needs impacting the state of Kentucky.
Learn About Legal Aid Society
Learn about LSC grantee, Legal Aid Society.
