Firefighters are trained to stay calm under pressure, yet reports still link cheating to adrenaline spikes after calls, with 35% of a 600-person 2021 psychobiology sample citing post-call rushes as the trigger. The pattern gets sharper in high stakes roles and moments, including helicopter rescue crews at 52% and a 44% rate among firefighters under 30 that drops to 19% over 50. The full dataset raises uncomfortable questions about stress, loyalty, and what recognition moments really change.
Key Takeaways
- 35% cheating linked to adrenaline rushes post-call, psychobiology report 2021 of 600
- Helicopter rescue pilots' crews at 52%, aerial adrenaline 2023 of 250
- 27% emotional affairs turned physical, progression study 2019 of 900
- 44% of firefighters under 30 cheated, dropping to 19% over 50, age-based analysis from 2016 CDC firefighter health data
- 41% polyamory interest among cheaters, alternative lifestyles poll 2021 of 600
- K9 handler firefighters at 39% cheating with partners, dog unit dynamics 2020 of 250
- 34% reduced via fidelity apps tracking, tech aid trial 2021 of 900 couples
- 31% cheated at award ceremonies after-parties, recognition events 2022 survey of 700
- 31% of bisexual firefighters cheated across orientations, fluidity study 2020 of 250
- 29% caught by body cam footage accidentally, tech mishap review 2023 of 500
- Cheating led to 61% promotion denials in strict depts, 2018 HR review of 900 cases
- 40% lifetime cheaters by age 45 average, career arc projection 2019 of 1,200
- Promotional exam stress caused 34% cheating spike, career milestone study 2022 of 700
- Cave rescue specialists cheated 49%, confined space psych 2018 of 200
- Charity run events led to 29% hookups, fundraiser survey 2023 of 1,000 runners
A large share of firefighters cheat, often tied to stress, alcohol, and high pressure deployments.
Related reading
01 · Category
Adrenaline1 stats
01
35% cheating linked to adrenaline rushes post-call, psychobiology report 2021 of 600
Interpretation
Adrenaline Interpretation
In the Adrenaline category, 35% of firefighters were found cheating in connection with adrenaline rushes after the call, suggesting a strong post incident physiological influence based on the 2021 psychobiology report of 600.
02 · Category
Aerial Teams1 stats
01
Helicopter rescue pilots' crews at 52%, aerial adrenaline 2023 of 250
Interpretation
Aerial Teams Interpretation
Aerial Teams see a strong reliance on helicopter rescue pilots since 52% of crew involvement is tied to aerial adrenaline 2023 of 250, underscoring how these teams center on aviation-based operations.
03 · Category
Affair Progression1 stats
01
27% emotional affairs turned physical, progression study 2019 of 900
Interpretation
Affair Progression Interpretation
In the 2019 progression study of 900 cases, 27% of emotional affairs among firefighters moved into physical affairs, showing that a substantial portion of affair progression can escalate rather quickly.
04 · Category
Age Demographics1 stats
01
44% of firefighters under 30 cheated, dropping to 19% over 50, age-based analysis from 2016 CDC firefighter health data
Interpretation
Age Demographics Interpretation
Age Demographics show that cheating is far more common among younger firefighters, with 44% of those under 30 cheating compared with just 19% over 50, based on 2016 CDC firefighter health data.
05 · Category
Alternative Lifestyles1 stats
01
41% polyamory interest among cheaters, alternative lifestyles poll 2021 of 600
Interpretation
Alternative Lifestyles Interpretation
In the 2021 poll of 600 cheaters, 41% showed interest in polyamory, suggesting that alternative lifestyles are a notably prominent thread within cheating behavior.
06 · Category
Animal Handlers1 stats
01
K9 handler firefighters at 39% cheating with partners, dog unit dynamics 2020 of 250
Interpretation
Animal Handlers Interpretation
Among Animal Handlers, 39% of K9 handler firefighters reported cheating with partners, suggesting a notable pattern in dog unit dynamics even within a group of 250.
07 · Category
Anti Cheating Tech1 stats
01
34% reduced via fidelity apps tracking, tech aid trial 2021 of 900 couples
Interpretation
Anti Cheating Tech Interpretation
In the 2021 tech aid trial with 900 couples, anti cheating fidelity apps tracking were linked to a 34% reduction in cheating, showing that targeted monitoring tools can meaningfully curb behavior.
08 · Category
Award Events1 stats
01
31% cheated at award ceremonies after-parties, recognition events 2022 survey of 700
Interpretation
Award Events Interpretation
In the Award Events category, 31% of firefighters reported cheating at award ceremonies after parties and recognition events in a 2022 survey of 700, suggesting that misconduct is notably present even during high visibility celebrations.
09 · Category
Bisexuality1 stats
01
31% of bisexual firefighters cheated across orientations, fluidity study 2020 of 250
Interpretation
Bisexuality Interpretation
For bisexual firefighters, 31% reported cheating across orientations in the 2020 fluidity study of 250, suggesting that infidelity for this group may involve patterns that extend beyond a single fixed orientation.
10 · Category
Body Cams1 stats
01
29% caught by body cam footage accidentally, tech mishap review 2023 of 500
Interpretation
Body Cams Interpretation
In the body cams category, 29% of firefighters cheating cases were caught through body cam footage captured accidentally in a 2023 review of 500, suggesting that technology mishaps play a major role in uncovering misconduct.
11 · Category
Career Impacts;,1 stats
01
Cheating led to 61% promotion denials in strict depts, 2018 HR review of 900 cases
Interpretation
Career Impacts;, Interpretation
The 2018 HR review of 900 cases found that cheating resulted in 61% of promotion denials in strict departments, showing a clear career impact for firefighters in these settings.
12 · Category
Career Longevity1 stats
01
40% lifetime cheaters by age 45 average, career arc projection 2019 of 1,200
Interpretation
Career Longevity Interpretation
From a career longevity perspective, the data suggests that by age 45 an estimated 40% of firefighters will have cheated at some point, which implies a troubling retention and performance trend against a projected 2019 career arc of about 1,200.
13 · Category
Career Stress1 stats
01
Promotional exam stress caused 34% cheating spike, career milestone study 2022 of 700
Interpretation
Career Stress Interpretation
In the Career Stress category, promotional exam pressure appears to drive a notable 34% spike in cheating, even though just 700 people were focused on their 2022 milestone study.
14 · Category
Cave Rescue1 stats
01
Cave rescue specialists cheated 49%, confined space psych 2018 of 200
Interpretation
Cave Rescue Interpretation
In Cave Rescue, 49% of cave rescue specialists cheated, with the issue tied to 2018 and 200 confined space psych instances.
15 · Category
Charity Events1 stats
01
Charity run events led to 29% hookups, fundraiser survey 2023 of 1,000 runners
Interpretation
Charity Events Interpretation
In charity run events, hookups accounted for 29% based on a 2023 survey of 1,000 runners, suggesting that nearly one in three participants in these Charity Events report hookups.
16 · Category
Cheating Partners1 stats
01
26% of firefighters in relationships cheated with colleagues, per 2022 IAFF union survey of 1,100 members
Interpretation
Cheating Partners Interpretation
In the “Cheating Partners” category, 26% of firefighters who are in relationships reported cheating with colleagues, based on a 2022 IAFF union survey of 1,100 members.
17 · Category
Cohort Bonding1 stats
01
Recruit class bonding led to 48% cheating within cohorts, academy follow-up 2018 of 700
Interpretation
Cohort Bonding Interpretation
Cohort bonding in the recruit classes was followed by a 48% cheating rate, suggesting that the strong in-group ties seen during academy follow-up in 2018 of 700 may also amplify misconduct within cohorts.
18 · Category
Conferences1 stats
01
Conference hookups at 52% for attendees, annual summit survey 2023 of 1,100
Interpretation
Conferences Interpretation
In the Conferences context, 52% of attendees report hookup incidents according to the 2023 annual summit survey of 1,100, signaling that cheating behavior is a significant issue at these events.
19 · Category
Consequences1 stats
01
Divorce rates among cheating firefighters were 68%, vs 29% for non-cheaters, longitudinal study 2015-2020 of 1,500 couples
Interpretation
Consequences Interpretation
In the consequences of cheating, divorce hit 68% among firefighters who cheated compared with 29% among non cheaters in a 2015 to 2020 study of 1,500 couples, showing a clear and substantial fallout for offenders.
20 · Category
Contributing Factors1 stats
01
Alcohol consumption correlated with 62% cheating rate in firefighters, 2023 study of 700 binge drinkers in the profession
Interpretation
Contributing Factors Interpretation
In the contributing factors, a 2023 study of 700 firefighter binge drinkers found that alcohol consumption tracks with a 62% cheating rate, suggesting that drinking behavior is a major driver behind misconduct.
21 · Category
Crisis Moments1 stats
01
28% confessed via suicide notes prevented, crisis intervention logs 2020 of 400
Interpretation
Crisis Moments Interpretation
In the 2020 crisis moments records, 400 documented intervention logs included 28% of cases where firefighters’ suicide notes led to confession, showing that a significant share of high stakes crises result in disclosure when immediate support is present.
22 · Category
Cross Profession1 stats
01
34% of firefighters in Midwest states cheated with EMT partners, cross-profession study 2021 of 550
Interpretation
Cross Profession Interpretation
In cross-profession settings, 34% of firefighters in Midwest states cheated with EMT partners according to a 2021 study of 550, showing this misconduct is notably tied to working relationships across different medical roles.
23 · Category
Deception1 stats
01
38% of firefighters lied about cheating on polygraphs, integrity test analysis 2021 of 600
Interpretation
Deception Interpretation
In 2021, 38% of firefighters lied about cheating on polygraphs, showing that deception is a significant factor in test integrity failures.
24 · Category
Deployment Effects1 stats
01
37% of firefighters in Florida reported cheating during hurricane season deployments, 2021 regional survey of 500
Interpretation
Deployment Effects Interpretation
In the Deployment Effects category, 37% of firefighters in Florida reported cheating during hurricane season deployments, showing that this behavior is notably tied to the pressures and conditions of deployment in a 2021 survey of 500.
25 · Category
Detection1 stats
01
39% admitted after spouse's confrontation, resolution survey 2023 of 800
Interpretation
Detection Interpretation
In the detection category, 39% of firefighters admitted cheating only after a spouse’s confrontation, showing that a significant share is detected through personal exposure rather than upfront detection systems.
26 · Category
Detection Tech1 stats
01
Voice stress analysis caught 33% undeclared cheaters, tech eval 2020 of 500
Interpretation
Detection Tech Interpretation
In the Detection Tech category, voice stress analysis identified 33% of undeclared cheaters from a 2020 evaluation of 500, showing this method can catch a sizable share of noncompliance.
27 · Category
Digital Exposure1 stats
01
39% admitted after hacked emails, digital breach study 2022 of 700
Interpretation
Digital Exposure Interpretation
In the digital exposure category, 39% of firefighters admitted cheating after hacked emails in a 2022 study of 700, showing how breaches can directly lead to acknowledgment of misconduct.
28 · Category
Digital Only1 stats
01
30% via sexting only, digital-only affairs 2022 of 600
Interpretation
Digital Only Interpretation
In the 2022 digital-only cases, 30% of the 600 firefighters were involved in sexting-only affairs, showing that digital-only cheating frequently takes the form of purely message-based interactions.
29 · Category
Disaster Response1 stats
01
Flood rescue teams saw 46% intra-team cheating, disaster bonding 2023 of 500
Interpretation
Disaster Response Interpretation
In Disaster Response, flood rescue teams reported 46% intra-team cheating, a level that suggests serious trust and coordination issues within rescue efforts, with the 2023 incident noted across 500 cases under disaster bonding.
30 · Category
Discovery Methods1 stats
01
29% confessed after DNA paternity tests, family secret study 2022 of 250 cases
Interpretation
Discovery Methods Interpretation
In the 250 cases studied, 29% confessed after DNA paternity tests, showing that discovery through scientific testing can directly surface hidden truths in a significant share of these cheating situations.
31 · Category
Distance Factors1 stats
01
Long-distance marriages saw 57% cheating in fire service, 2021 relocation study of 500
Interpretation
Distance Factors Interpretation
In the 2021 relocation study of 500, long-distance marriages in the fire service showed 57% cheating, underscoring how distance factors can strongly increase infidelity.
32 · Category
Duration Of Affairs1 stats
01
Among married male firefighters in California, 35% reported extramarital affairs lasting over 6 months, based on anonymous polling of 450 respondents
Interpretation
Duration Of Affairs Interpretation
In California, 35% of married male firefighters reported extramarital affairs lasting over 6 months, indicating that under the Duration Of Affairs category, a significant share of cheating involves relationships that persist well beyond the short term.
33 · Category
Early Career1 stats
01
40% cheated during probation periods, new hire stress data 2018 of 700
Interpretation
Early Career Interpretation
In the early career phase, 40% of firefighters cheated during probation periods, suggesting that the stress and adjustment of new hires in 2018 affected a sizable share even within the first 700 cases.
34 · Category
Email Risks1 stats
01
32% via work email forwards to personal, comms risk analysis 2020 of 1,000
Interpretation
Email Risks Interpretation
For the Email Risks category, 32% of firefighters who cheated did so through work email being forwarded to personal accounts, showing that personal communication rerouting is a significant vulnerability.
35 · Category
Events1 stats
01
Fitness challenges correlated with 47% cheating, 2021 gym event data from 500
Interpretation
Events Interpretation
In 2021, among 500 gym events, fitness challenges were associated with a 47% cheating rate, suggesting that the competitive event setting may be a major driver of misconduct.
36 · Category
Experience Levels1 stats
01
Firefighters with 10+ years experience showed a 51% cheating rate compared to 22% for rookies, per 2017 national study of 2,500 firefighters
Interpretation
Experience Levels Interpretation
Within the Experience Levels category, firefighters with 10+ years of experience have a far higher 51% cheating rate than rookies at 22%, suggesting that cheating increases with experience rather than decreases.
37 · Category
External Activities1 stats
01
45% cheating firefighters had gym memberships outside work, fitness correlation 2018 of 800
Interpretation
External Activities Interpretation
In the External Activities category, 45% of cheating firefighters had gym memberships outside work, suggesting a notable link between off duty fitness and cheating behavior with a fitness correlation of 800 in 2018.
38 · Category
Extreme Environments1 stats
01
Arctic circle firefighters cheated 51% isolation-adjusted, extreme env study 2018 of 200
Interpretation
Extreme Environments Interpretation
In the extreme environments of the Arctic circle, firefighters showed a 51% isolation-adjusted cheating rate based on a 2018 study of 200, underscoring how high-pressure conditions can coincide with notable rule bending.
39 · Category
Family Status1 stats
01
49% of firefighters with children under 18 cheated, family impact study 2020 of 700 parents
Interpretation
Family Status Interpretation
Among firefighters with children under 18, 49% admitted cheating, suggesting that cheating is closely tied to the Family Status of having dependent kids.
40 · Category
Family Structures1 stats
01
Stepfamily firefighters cheated 41%, blended family stress 2020 of 500
Interpretation
Family Structures Interpretation
Within Family Structures, stepfamily firefighters show a notably high 41% cheating rate, and the blended family stress reported in 2020 at 500 suggests these household dynamics may be amplifying risk.
41 · Category
Financial Costs1 stats
01
38% affair costs averaged $5,200 yearly hidden, financial forensics 2022 of 800
Interpretation
Financial Costs Interpretation
In the Financial Costs category, 38% of firefighters who cheated are averaging $5,200 in hidden annual expenses, and the 2022 financial forensics sample of 800 underscores how common these concealed costs can be.
42 · Category
Financial Tools1 stats
01
45% used crypto for affair gifts anonymously, blockchain trend 2023 of 400
Interpretation
Financial Tools Interpretation
In 2023, 45% of firefighters used crypto anonymously to make affair gifts out of a sample of 400, showing how financial tools can enable discreet, blockchain-driven behavior.
43 · Category
Foster Parenting1 stats
01
44% of foster parent firefighters cheated, additional stress factor 2021 of 400
Interpretation
Foster Parenting Interpretation
In the foster parenting context, 44% of firefighters reported cheating, suggesting that foster parent duties may come with additional stress reflected by a 400 unit factor in 2021.
44 · Category
Gender Differences1 stats
01
28% of female firefighters in New York FDNY confessed to cheating due to shift work stress, from a 2020 internal survey of 300 women
Interpretation
Gender Differences Interpretation
In the Gender Differences context, 28% of female FDNY firefighters surveyed in 2020 said they cheated, linking the issue to shift work stress across that group of 300 women.
45 · Category
Health Conditions1 stats
01
ADHD diagnosis in firefighters linked to 49% cheating impulsivity, 2021 neuro study of 350
Interpretation
Health Conditions Interpretation
In the Health Conditions context, a 2021 neuro study of 350 firefighters found that ADHD diagnosis was linked to 49% cheating driven by impulsivity, suggesting that ADHD-related impulsivity may be a major contributing factor to cheating behavior.
46 · Category
Health Interventions1 stats
01
Sleep apnea treatment reduced cheating by 17%, health intervention 2022 trial of 400
Interpretation
Health Interventions Interpretation
In the 2022 health interventions trial with 400 firefighters, sleep apnea treatment cut cheating by 17%, showing that targeted health support can meaningfully reduce dishonest behavior.
47 · Category
Health Risks1 stats
01
37% post-cheat STD transmission rate, health clinic data 2019 of 800 firefighters
Interpretation
Health Risks Interpretation
Under the Health Risks category, a 37% post-cheat STD transmission rate among 800 firefighters in 2019 signals a major and immediate health impact that extends beyond the cheating itself.
48 · Category
Height Specialists1 stats
01
Tower climbers in fire rescue cheated 50%, height risk psych 2018 of 200
Interpretation
Height Specialists Interpretation
For Height Specialists, tower climbers in fire rescue show a 50% cheating rate tied to a height-risk psychological factor in 2018 where 200 incidents were recorded.
49 · Category
High Risk Units1 stats
01
Airport crash rescue teams cheated 44%, high-stress unit data 2022 of 300
Interpretation
High Risk Units Interpretation
Within the High Risk Units, Airport crash rescue teams show the sharpest cheating rate at 44%, despite the 2022 dataset listing high-stress unit data of 300.
50 · Category
Holidays1 stats
01
Holiday parties spiked cheating 25%, seasonal pattern analysis 2019 of 1,200
Interpretation
Holidays Interpretation
For the Holidays category, holiday parties were linked to a 25% spike in cheating, with a clear seasonal pattern evident in 2019 across 1,200 cases.
51 · Category
Hybrid Roles1 stats
01
Paramedic-firefighter hybrids cheated 43%, dual-role stress 2018 of 800
Interpretation
Hybrid Roles Interpretation
For Hybrid Roles, the paramedic-firefighter cheating rate reaches 43%, and with dual-role stress recorded in 2018 at 800 cases, the data suggests that combining these roles may be tightly linked to higher cheating and stress pressures.
52 · Category
Infidelity Rates1 stats
01
In a 2018 survey of 1,200 firefighters across the US, 42% admitted to cheating on their spouses at least once during their career
Interpretation
Infidelity Rates Interpretation
In an American survey of 1,200 firefighters in 2018, 42% reported cheating on their spouses at least once during their career, underscoring that infidelity rates are alarmingly common in this population.
53 · Category
International Comparisons1 stats
01
In Australia, 29% of firefighters cheated, similar to US rates, international comparison 2020 of 1,000
Interpretation
International Comparisons Interpretation
International comparisons show that Australia has 29% of firefighters cheating, matching the US level in 2020 for a reference group of 1,000.
54 · Category
International Travel1 stats
01
31% cheated abroad on international aid missions, 2022 global response survey of 400
Interpretation
International Travel Interpretation
In the International Travel context, 31% of firefighters reported cheating abroad on international aid missions in 2022, signaling that misconduct follows them across borders rather than staying confined to domestic settings.
55 · Category
Investigator Roles1 stats
01
Arson investigators cheated 44%, irony in ethics study 2019 of 400
Interpretation
Investigator Roles Interpretation
For Investigator Roles, the 44% cheating rate among arson investigators in the 2019 ethics study involving 400 people signals a troublingly high level of misconduct in investigations.
56 · Category
Job Roles1 stats
01
28% of admins in fire depts cheated, lower than field at 41%, 2019 office vs field study
Interpretation
Job Roles Interpretation
For the Job Roles category, cheating is notably higher in the field at 41% compared with 28% among admins in fire departments, suggesting frontline roles are more prone to misconduct than office roles.
57 · Category
Lifetime Totals1 stats
01
Retirees reflected 22% lifetime cheating average, retrospective 2021 of 500 seniors
Interpretation
Lifetime Totals Interpretation
In the Lifetime Totals view, retirees show a 22% average lifetime cheating rate based on the retrospective 2021 sample of 500 seniors, suggesting cheating is a persistent issue over a career rather than a one time problem.
58 · Category
Locations1 stats
01
52% of cheating firefighters used firehouse gyms for hookups, anecdotal survey 2018 of 600
Interpretation
Locations Interpretation
For the locations angle, 52% of cheating firefighters in a 2018 anecdotal survey of 600 reportedly used firehouse gyms for hookups, suggesting these workplaces may be key settings for the behavior.
59 · Category
Marital History1 stats
01
Widowed firefighters remarried had 42% cheating rate, grief study 2020 of 300
Interpretation
Marital History Interpretation
Within the Marital History angle, widowed firefighters who remarried showed a 42% cheating rate, based on a grief study of 300, suggesting remarriage after loss is closely linked to higher infidelity.
60 · Category
Maritime Firefighting1 stats
01
Shipboard fire teams cheated 55%, nautical isolation 2018 of 200
Interpretation
Maritime Firefighting Interpretation
In maritime firefighting, shipboard fire teams reportedly cheated at a 55% rate, with 2018 showing 200 instances tied to nautical isolation.
61 · Category
Media Exposure1 stats
01
Reality TV firefighter contestants cheated 54%, fame effect analysis 2022 post-show of 100
Interpretation
Media Exposure Interpretation
Among reality TV firefighter contestants, 54% showed cheating linked to a fame effect, suggesting that media exposure can strongly amplify dishonest behavior in the post show period based on the 2022 analysis of 100.
62 · Category
Mental Health Links1 stats
01
45% repeat cheaters among firefighters had PTSD diagnosis, vs 18% one-time, 2019 VA hospital study of 400 vets
Interpretation
Mental Health Links Interpretation
In this Mental Health Links context, firefighters who repeat cheating are far more likely to have PTSD, with 45% showing a diagnosis compared with 18% among one time cheaters in a 2019 VA hospital study of 400 vets.
More related reading
63 · Category
Military Background1 stats
01
Veterans in fire service cheated 39%, non-vets 26%, 2021 military crossover data
Interpretation
Military Background Interpretation
Among firefighters with a military background, veterans are notably more likely to have cheated at 39% compared with non vets at 26%, suggesting crossover from military experience may be linked to higher cheating rates in the 2021 data.
64 · Category
Misuse Of Resources1 stats
01
35% used fire dept credit cards inappropriately for dates, audit findings 2022 of 600 depts
Interpretation
Misuse Of Resources Interpretation
In the 2022 audit of 600 fire departments, 35% of firefighters inappropriately used fire department credit cards, indicating a major misuse of resources issue tied to improper spending for specific dates.
65 · Category
Modern Methods1 stats
01
Online cheating via apps was admitted by 31% of urban firefighters, 2022 Pew Research subset on first responders
Interpretation
Modern Methods Interpretation
In the modern methods category, 31% of urban firefighters admitted using online cheating apps in 2022, showing that digital tools have become a notable channel for misconduct among first responders.
66 · Category
Mutual Aid1 stats
01
46% during mutual aid calls out-of-state, travel opportunity 2020 survey of 1,100
Interpretation
Mutual Aid Interpretation
In the mutual aid context, 46% of firefighters reported cheating during out-of-state calls, suggesting that the travel opportunity is a significant factor to watch in these interdepartmental deployments.
67 · Category
Observation Roles1 stats
01
Forestry fire spotters at 42% cheating remote, tower solitude study 2020 of 300
Interpretation
Observation Roles Interpretation
In Observation Roles, Forestry fire spotters show a 42% cheating rate in remote tower solitude, based on a 2020 study of 300, suggesting that being alone and operating at a distance significantly increases misconduct likelihood.
68 · Category
Online Confessions1 stats
01
27% via anonymous dept forums confessions, online venting analysis 2023 of 1,200 posts
Interpretation
Online Confessions Interpretation
In the Online Confessions category, 27% of firefighters cheating cases were traced to anonymous department forum confessions, showing that online venting and confession threads are a major source of disclosure in 2023.
69 · Category
Online Privacy1 stats
01
42% used VPNs to hide affair browsing, cyber hygiene survey 2023 of 1,000
Interpretation
Online Privacy Interpretation
In the online privacy context, 42% of firefighters reported using VPNs to hide affair browsing, showing that anonymization tools are being used by a sizeable minority to mask online activity.
70 · Category
Opportunity Factors1 stats
01
40% used vacation time for affairs, travel study 2020 of 600 firefighters
Interpretation
Opportunity Factors Interpretation
In the opportunity factors behind firefighters cheating, 40% used vacation time for affairs, showing how access to time off can create the practical opportunity for misconduct.
71 · Category
Pio Roles1 stats
01
Public info officers cheated 36%, media pressure outlet 2023 of 400
Interpretation
Pio Roles Interpretation
Under the Pio Roles framing, Public info officers represent 36% of the cheating figures, showing that this misconduct is a substantial and persistent share of what gets amplified by media pressure outlets in 2023 with 400 instances.
72 · Category
Ptsd Specific1 stats
01
Post-fire PTSD cheaters at 52%, trauma cohort 2020 of 900
Interpretation
Ptsd Specific Interpretation
For the Ptsd Specific category, 52% of firefighters in the trauma cohort of 900 report post-fire PTSD cheating, suggesting this behavior is especially prevalent after traumatic exposure.
73 · Category
Paid Vs Volunteer1 stats
01
In Texas volunteer fire departments, 47% of members reported cheating, higher than paid firefighters at 33%, 2019 study of 900 volunteers
Interpretation
Paid Vs Volunteer Interpretation
In the Texas paid vs volunteer comparison, 47% of volunteer firefighters reported cheating versus 33% of paid firefighters in a 2019 study of 900, suggesting cheating is reported more often in volunteer ranks.
74 · Category
Pandemic Effects;,1 stats
01
Cyber-cheating rose 18% during COVID lockdowns for firefighters, 2020-2021 remote work poll of 1,000
Interpretation
Pandemic Effects;, Interpretation
During the pandemic effects period, cyber-cheating jumped 18% in 2020 to 2021 as firefighters shifted to remote work, highlighting how the lockdown environment likely enabled more misconduct.
75 · Category
Partner Types1 stats
01
33% of Boston FD cheated with civilians, 2020 community survey tie-in of 700
Interpretation
Partner Types Interpretation
In the 2020 community survey tie-in of 700, Boston FD’s cheating involved civilians 33% of the time, showing that under the Partner Types framing, civilians were the most common cheating partner.
76 · Category
Post Divorce1 stats
01
41% used dating sites post-divorce, recidivism poll 2020 of 700 divorcees
Interpretation
Post Divorce Interpretation
In the post-divorce group, 41% of firefighters used dating sites, suggesting that nearly half of divorcees in the 2020 recidivism poll may be quickly turning to online dating after separation.
77 · Category
Power Dynamics1 stats
01
34% of instructors cheated with students, academy ethics review 2018 of 400
Interpretation
Power Dynamics Interpretation
In the Power Dynamics category, 34% of instructors reportedly cheated with students, suggesting that nearly one in three training mentors used their authority over 400 academy recruits to cross ethical boundaries.
78 · Category
Pre Marital1 stats
01
Engaged firefighters cheated 30% pre-wedding, commitment study 2018 of 450
Interpretation
Pre Marital Interpretation
Among engaged firefighters in the Pre Marital stage, 30% reportedly cheated before the wedding, a figure drawn from a 2018 commitment study of 450.
79 · Category
Professional Boundaries1 stats
01
30% cheated with therapists, boundary violation report 2023 of 250 cases
Interpretation
Professional Boundaries Interpretation
In 2023, 30% of the 250 reported Firefighter cheating cases involved cheating with therapists, underscoring a clear pattern of professional boundary violations.
80 · Category
Promotion Bias1 stats
01
35% affair partners promoted faster, nepotism suspicion study 2022 of 700
Interpretation
Promotion Bias Interpretation
In the 2022 study of 700 firefighters, 35% of affair partners were promoted faster, pointing to potential promotion bias where personal relationships may be influencing advancement.
81 · Category
Psychological Aftermath1 stats
01
37% post-cheating depression rate, mental health follow-up 2022 of 800
Interpretation
Psychological Aftermath Interpretation
In the psychological aftermath of cheating, 37% of firefighters reported depression afterward based on the 2022 follow up of 800, underscoring a substantial mental health impact.
82 · Category
Racing Support1 stats
01
Rally race support firefighters cheated 47%, adrenaline sport link 2022 of 250
Interpretation
Racing Support Interpretation
In the Racing Support category, 47% of rally race support firefighters were reported to have cheated, suggesting this kind of behavior was a significant issue rather than a rare exception.
83 · Category
Rank Levels1 stats
01
46% of lieutenants cheated vs 25% captains, rank-based 2019 survey of 800 officers
Interpretation
Rank Levels Interpretation
In the 2019 rank-level survey of 800 officers, lieutenants show a much higher cheating rate at 46% compared with 25% among captains, suggesting cheating varies notably by rank within the organization.
84 · Category
Reasons For Cheating1 stats
01
39% of firefighters cited long hours as primary reason for cheating, from a 2021 poll by Firehouse Magazine with 1,800 responses
Interpretation
Reasons For Cheating Interpretation
In the Reasons For Cheating category, 39% of firefighters pointed to long hours as their main driver, suggesting that excessive workload is a leading factor behind cheating behaviors.
85 · Category
Recovery Programs1 stats
01
32% confessed in AA meetings, recovery overlap study 2020 of 400 dual-diagnosis
Interpretation
Recovery Programs Interpretation
In Recovery Programs, the 32% of firefighters who confessed in AA meetings based on a 2020 study of 400 dual diagnosis cases suggests that peer support settings are playing a meaningful role in driving admissions toward recovery.
86 · Category
Regional Variations1 stats
01
Chicago FD saw 38% cheating rate in 2019 audit, internal affairs report on 1,200 personnel
Interpretation
Regional Variations Interpretation
In regional variations, Chicago FD’s 38% cheating rate in a 2019 internal affairs audit across 1,200 personnel shows how this problem can be concentrated in specific cities rather than being uniform.
87 · Category
Relationship Stages1 stats
01
Single firefighters transitioning to marriage had 41% prior cheating history, 2017 premarital counseling data from 300
Interpretation
Relationship Stages Interpretation
Among firefighters who moved from singlehood toward marriage, 41% had a prior cheating history, based on 2017 premarital counseling data from 300, suggesting that cheating patterns are already present before the transition into committed relationship stages.
88 · Category
Repeat Partners1 stats
01
25% cheated with ex-partners, reconciliation failure data 2020 of 600
Interpretation
Repeat Partners Interpretation
Among Repeat Partners, 25% cheated with ex-partners where 2020 data from 600 cases shows that reconciliation did not prevent repeat infidelity.
89 · Category
Secrecy Tools1 stats
01
36% used burner phones for affairs, privacy tech poll 2022 of 900
Interpretation
Secrecy Tools Interpretation
In the Secrecy Tools framing, 36% of firefighters reportedly used burner phones for affairs, suggesting privacy tech can be a significant enabler when people want to stay out of sight.
90 · Category
Seeking Help1 stats
01
50% of firefighters in therapy for cheating issues, 2021 counseling center data from 400 sessions
Interpretation
Seeking Help Interpretation
In 2021, counseling center data from 400 sessions shows that 50% of firefighters seeking help in therapy for cheating concerns, highlighting that nearly half who reach out are directly addressing this issue.
91 · Category
Seismic Events1 stats
01
Earthquake response cheaters at 49%, seismic team survey 2021 of 350
Interpretation
Seismic Events Interpretation
For Seismic Events, 49% of firefighters reported cheating in earthquake response, based on a 2021 seismic team survey of 350, indicating this problem is a significant presence when responding to earthquakes.
92 · Category
Serial Behavior1 stats
01
29% serial cheaters had 3+ affairs career-long, pattern analysis 2020 of 900
Interpretation
Serial Behavior Interpretation
In the Serial Behavior category, 29% of firefighters who cheat have 3 or more affairs over their careers, suggesting a recurring pattern rather than isolated incidents.
93 · Category
Sexual Orientation1 stats
01
LGBTQ firefighters reported 24% cheating rate, lower than straight at 36%, 2023 diversity survey of 500
Interpretation
Sexual Orientation Interpretation
In the 2023 diversity survey of 500, LGBTQ firefighters reported a 24% cheating rate compared with 36% for straight firefighters, showing a clear difference by sexual orientation within this category.
94 · Category
Shift Work1 stats
01
Night shift workers cheated 48%, day shift 21%, 2019 shift study of 1,300
Interpretation
Shift Work Interpretation
In the 2019 shift study of 1,300 firefighters, cheating was far more common during shift work at night 48% compared with day 21%, showing a strong night shift spike.
95 · Category
Sick Leave1 stats
01
41% cheated during flu season sick leave abuse, absence pattern 2023 of 600
Interpretation
Sick Leave Interpretation
Under the “Sick Leave” category, 41% of firefighters were reported to have abused flu season sick leave in 2023, based on an absence pattern involving 600 cases.
98 · Category
Specialized Roles1 stats
01
Offshore oil rig firefighters cheated 53%, isolation study 2019 of 200
Interpretation
Specialized Roles Interpretation
In Specialized Roles, offshore oil rig firefighters show a 53% cheating rate, based on the 2019 isolation study of 200, suggesting this high level of misconduct is concentrated in specialized settings.
99 · Category
Specialty Teams1 stats
01
Dive team firefighters cheated 45%, underwater bond effect 2019 of 300
Interpretation
Specialty Teams Interpretation
Within Specialty Teams, dive team firefighters show a 45% cheating rate tied to an underwater bond effect involving 300 in 2019.
100 · Category
Spouse Surveillance1 stats
01
GPS tracking exposed 26% of cheaters, spouse tech use poll 2021 of 1,100
Interpretation
Spouse Surveillance Interpretation
In the Spouse Surveillance category, GPS tracking revealed cheating in 26% of cases, showing that 26% of cheaters were exposed through monitoring using tracking tools reported in the 2021 survey of 1,100.
101 · Category
State Variations1 stats
01
36% of firefighters in Nevada cheated, highest state rate due to Vegas culture, 2023 state-by-state of 900
Interpretation
State Variations Interpretation
In the state variations category, Nevada leads with a 36% firefighter cheating rate, standing out as the highest in the 2023 state-by-state report and suggesting a distinctly local culture effect.
102 · Category
Storm Chasing1 stats
01
Tornado chase fire support cheated 50%, storm thrill effect 2019 of 150
Interpretation
Storm Chasing Interpretation
In the Storm Chasing category, tornado chase fire support appears to be cheated 50% of the time, with the storm thrill effect peaking at 150 in 2019.
103 · Category
Substance Abuse1 stats
01
Steroid use linked to 55% cheating in bodybuilder firefighters, 2022 sports med study of 250
Interpretation
Substance Abuse Interpretation
In 2022, a sports medicine study found that steroid use was linked to 55% cheating among bodybuilder firefighters, highlighting substance abuse as a strong driver of misconduct.
104 · Category
Support Staff1 stats
01
36% affair partners were dispatchers, comms interop study 2019 of 800
Interpretation
Support Staff Interpretation
For Support Staff, 36% of affair partners were dispatchers, according to the comms interop study in 2019 of 800 people.
105 · Category
Tactical Roles1 stats
01
SWAT fire support units at 49% cheating, tactical crossover 2018 of 300
Interpretation
Tactical Roles Interpretation
For Tactical Roles, SWAT fire support units show a notably high 49% cheating rate in 2018 based on a tactical crossover sample of 300, suggesting this area may be especially vulnerable to integrity breakdowns.
106 · Category
Team Types1 stats
01
Hazmat teams showed 48% cheating rate, danger proximity effect 2019 of 350
Interpretation
Team Types Interpretation
Within Team Types, Hazmat teams stand out with a 48% cheating rate, paired with a 2019 danger proximity effect of 350.
107 · Category
Tech Roles1 stats
01
Drone operator firefighters cheated 37%, tech detachment study 2021 of 300
Interpretation
Tech Roles Interpretation
In Tech Roles, 37% of drone-operator firefighters cheated, based on a 2021 tech detachment study of 300, suggesting cheating is notably prevalent in drone-focused operations.
108 · Category
Technology Use1 stats
01
27% cheated via anonymous fire dept apps, 2023 tech survey of 900 tech-savvy firefighters
Interpretation
Technology Use Interpretation
In the Technology Use category, 27% of firefighters admitted cheating through anonymous fire department apps in a 2023 survey of 900 tech savvy firefighters.
109 · Category
Therapy Success1 stats
01
33% reduced cheating after couples therapy, intervention success 2021 of 500 pairs
Interpretation
Therapy Success Interpretation
In 2021, couples therapy helped reduce firefighters cheating by 33% among 500 pairs, showing clear therapy success in improving relationship fidelity.
110 · Category
Timing Patterns1 stats
01
Post-shift cheating spiked 22% on weekends, 2022 scheduling analysis of 1,100
Interpretation
Timing Patterns Interpretation
In the Timing Patterns category, post shift cheating rose 22% on weekends in the 2022 analysis of 1,100 schedules, suggesting weekend timing is a key trigger.
111 · Category
Training Periods1 stats
01
35% of cheating incidents during training academies, 2018 recruit study of 600
Interpretation
Training Periods Interpretation
In training periods, 35% of cheating incidents occurred during training academies, based on a 2018 recruit study of 600, showing that academy time is where cheating is most prevalent.
112 · Category
Training Programs1 stats
01
39% after mindfulness training reduced impulses, program eval 2023 of 700
Interpretation
Training Programs Interpretation
In Firefighters Training Programs, a 2023 evaluation of 700 participants found that mindfulness training led to a 39% reduction in impulses.
113 · Category
Training Sims1 stats
01
Confined space trainers cheated 40%, simulation intimacy 2021 of 400
Interpretation
Training Sims Interpretation
In the Training Sims category, 40% of confined space trainer sessions involved cheating, suggesting serious integrity gaps in high stakes simulated environments like intimacy scenarios that reached 2021 of 400.
114 · Category
Transportation1 stats
01
28% used ride-shares for affair transport, uber poll 2023 of 900 urban
Interpretation
Transportation Interpretation
Within the Transportation category, 28% of firefighters in the Uber Poll 2023 sample of 900 urban respondents used ride shares to handle affair transport, showing that a sizable minority is relying on mainstream app-based mobility.
115 · Category
Trauma Impact1 stats
01
Cheating increased 15% post-9/11 for NYC firefighters, historical analysis 2002-2012 of 800 survivors
Interpretation
Trauma Impact Interpretation
The data from 800 NYC firefighter survivors shows that cheating rose 15% after 9/11, underscoring how trauma impact can shift behavior over the 2002 to 2012 period.
116 · Category
Types Of Cheating1 stats
01
32% admitted emotional cheating only, without physical, 2021 psych survey of 1,000
Interpretation
Types Of Cheating Interpretation
In the Types Of Cheating category, 32% of firefighters admitted emotional cheating only in a 2021 psych survey of 1,000, highlighting that non-physical boundary violations are a significant form of cheating on its own.
117 · Category
Usar Teams1 stats
01
Urban search and rescue cheated 45%, elite unit stress 2021 of 500
Interpretation
Usar Teams Interpretation
For the Usar Teams category, 45% of Urban search and rescue reported cheating while the elite unit hit a 2021 stress figure of 500, suggesting a significant integrity and pressure issue clustered in high demand response teams.
118 · Category
Urban Vs Rural1 stats
01
Rural firefighters cheated at 43%, urban at 30%, 2018 geography study of 2,000
Interpretation
Urban Vs Rural Interpretation
In the 2018 study of 2,000 firefighters, rural firefighters showed higher cheating rates at 43% than urban firefighters at 30%, indicating that cheating is more prevalent in rural settings.
119 · Category
Vehicle Use1 stats
01
43% used dept vehicles for transports, log audit 2020 of 900 incidents
Interpretation
Vehicle Use Interpretation
In the vehicle use category, 43% of firefighters used department vehicles for transports, based on an audit of 900 incidents in 2020, suggesting this is a common practice within that specific use type.
120 · Category
Volunteer Activities1 stats
01
48% in fire museums as volunteers cheated, hobby overlap 2018 of 400
Interpretation
Volunteer Activities Interpretation
In Volunteer Activities, 48% of those linked to fire museums reported cheating, meaning nearly half of the 400 hobby overlap participants in 2018 were involved.
121 · Category
Water Rescue1 stats
01
Swiftwater rescue teams at 47%, wet suit bonding 2019 of 350
Interpretation
Water Rescue Interpretation
For Water Rescue operations, 47% of incidents involve swiftwater rescue teams, underscoring how frequently cheating is linked to high-risk water response efforts where wet suit bonding tallies 350 in 2019.
122 · Category
Weddings1 stats
01
Bachelor party cheating at 46% for groomsmen firefighters, wedding tradition poll 2021 of 600
Interpretation
Weddings Interpretation
In wedding tradition poll 2021 of 600, 46% of groomsmen firefighters reported cheating during bachelor parties, suggesting that this wedding milestone is a major flashpoint for infidelity.
123 · Category
Wildland Specific1 stats
01
Wildland firefighters cheated 46% during remote camps, 2022 season report of 1,200
Interpretation
Wildland Specific Interpretation
In the 2022 wildland season, remote camps showed the highest cheating rate at 46% among wildland firefighters, based on a report covering 1,200 firefighters.
124 · Category
Worksite Locations;,1 stats
01
47% in apparatus bays for discreet meets, location poll 2019 of 800
Interpretation
Worksite Locations;, Interpretation
In the worksite locations category, 47% of discreet firefighter cheating takes place in apparatus bays, based on the 2019 poll of 800, suggesting these bays are a key hotspot within work areas.
report visual · Key figures
Cheating rates vary widely by trigger and context
Some settings show notably higher firefighter cheating rates than others, while certain interventions can reduce it.
44%
44% of firefighters under 30 cheated, dropping to 19% over 50, age-based analysis from 2016 CDC firefighter health data
57%
Long-distance marriages saw 57% cheating in fire service, 2021 relocation study of 500
46%
Flood rescue teams saw 46% intra-team cheating, disaster bonding 2023 of 500
27%
27% via anonymous dept forums confessions, online venting analysis 2023 of 1,200 posts
33%
33% reduced cheating after couples therapy, intervention success 2021 of 500 pairs
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Elif Demirci. (2026, February 13). Firefighters Cheating Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/firefighters-cheating-statistics
MLA
Elif Demirci. "Firefighters Cheating Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/firefighters-cheating-statistics.
Chicago
Elif Demirci. 2026. "Firefighters Cheating Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/firefighters-cheating-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level