The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
How Old is Too Old to Become a Firefighter?
I'm 43 yrs old, overweight and out of shape. The fire dept. that I am an exploer post associate adviser for has asked me to join. They say I would be a great addision to the dept. With my 21 yrs as a truck driver with tanker endorsment I would be the ideal person for a tanker driver. It's something I have always wanted, but I'm not sure what to do considering my age and shape.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on
-
"try it see what happen" = myocardial infarction
I can not believe that people are seriously suggesting that someone that is (by their own admission) fat and out of shape (and clearly an MI waiting to happen) to just " go for it".
I just hope he gets his IAVFF sticker first.
-
Permalink Reply by Christopher R. Sterpka on
-
One of thing that i wanted to do since i was a teen was to join the fire dept. Iam presently in a volunteer dept for the last four years . Have aquired several State certification . From my Firefighter1 to the RIT team , fire instructor , 2Q and several others . There is a place for everyone in the fire service in some capacity. The town i serve in has several members that are just driver /pump operator ,we also offer an exterior class . To get back to your question are you to old ? I was 40 when i joined .The dept and the pride have put in the best shape of my life. Good luck this can become a passion be safe & smart
-
Permalink Reply by Ron King (Fire Chief) on
-
Go ahead and do it. I'm sure you are not the only one on the dept. that may have some of those Issues.
-
Permalink Reply by DJ Easter on
-
Go for it. I joined our department last year at 45. I am just finishing my EMT-B and am planning a career change when I finish my medic training in a couple of years. Your maturity gives you something 20 somethings don't have. You can improve your physical condition, and you get to do what you have always wanted. I've gotta tell ya, right now, I am living the dream when it comes to the fire service. I only wish I'd have started earlier.
-
Permalink Reply by Dan Dunn on
-
I was 39, and about 50 pounds overweight when I joined my department, I got rookie of the year my first year and firefighter of the year my second year. I say go for it, you can always get back into shape if you want to. I do agree that it wouldn't be a bad idea to consult your doctor, but if he (or she) gives you the go ahead then do it. The whole experience is so amazingly worthwhile, I love almost everything about it (could do without some of the politics and personalities, but thats everywhere). Good luck, and stay safe.
-
Permalink Reply by Benjamin Cossel on
-
What's your disdain to the vollies? Some of us live in an area where the vollies is all we got. Not every vollie is some fat, stupid, neanderthal - fact most aren't -- and not every paid is some strapping, athletic bastion of righteousness.
In my own vollie department we have our mix of those who take it seriously and those who just want to call themselves a fire fighter, you can guess which ones go internal and which ones run around making sure everyone has a water bottle. But you see that everywhere, last time I went internal I don't recall the fire asking me if I was paid or a vollie ... perhaps i missed it being a vollie and all, but I doubt it.
I take my training very seriously -- two to three times a week -- and maintain my physical fitness, and when I'm not training I'm on places like this, learning, seeing what other departments are doing, learning new techniques -- so give it a rest the shit gets old.
And for the record, I actually happen to agree with you on most of what you've said on this thread, perhaps Ed should give himself a goal. (I'm just making these numbers up) But lets say Ed is 50 pounds overweight, he drops 30 then joins the department -- at 30 lbs dropped, I'd say Ed would have shown a level of commitment and at that point I would hope that he'd be encouraged enough by his success to loose the last 20.
-
Permalink Reply by abc11323123 on
-
Go for it!
-
Permalink Reply by Chief Dino on
-
Ed,
Here's the thing, if you want to help out, help out. That being said, by your own admission you’re overweight and out of shape and that alone should be enough to give you pause. For a number of years, the biggest killer of firefighters, both career and volunteer, has been sudden cardiac death. Being overweight and not exercising are two risk factors for an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Do yourself and your family a favor and shed some weight, get in better shape and get a physical, one that meets NFPA requirements for entry level firefighters preferably, before you step onto the fire ground. Until then, continue to use those skills as a truck driver to help your department drive safely; MVCs are the number two killer for volunteers.
TCSS
Shawn
-
Permalink Reply by ED Squires on
-
I thank all of you that have replyed, even the negitive ones. I am working out and have cut back on alot of junk that I would eat and drink. I know it will take some time to lose the weight and tone up my body, but I am determind to do this. I have regreted not doing it for 25 yrs., no more! I will keep you( thoughs that would like to be ) up dated on my progress. Thanks again
-
Permalink Reply by WestPhilly on
-
ED,
I've been following this thread, but I may not have read closely every reply. Which ones do you consider negative?
-
-
The 2 post from Jack, didnt seem to be very positive
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
