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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
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Permalink Reply by WestPhilly on
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I'm checking.
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I checked. (And had a run). While you could make the argument Jack's posts weren't "very positive", I would argue they weren't necessarily negative either. (And his comments were more about others' comments than about you anyway).
You could also look at it this way: When an actual firefighter advises a prospective firefighter (one who already has reservations about his physical condition) that he should first get in shape before joining a department, that firefighter IS being positive. Positive that you will get yourself, and/or others, hurt if you don't get in shape. It's actually pretty good advice that beats the hell out of all the "go for it" replies put together.
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Permalink Reply by DJ Easter on
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I wonder if somehow in wanting to encourage someone to follow their passion, we often want to urge them on and we take some things for granted. There are quite a few posts that are telling Ed to "Go for it!". I posted one earlier. I made an assumption, maybe a bad one, I assumed, having been an associate adviser, Ed knows that overweight, out of shape and fireman equals danger for himself and his crew. I also assumed that if he was going to pursue the fire service; since he brought it up, that he was going to address his physical condition in order to mitigate the danger. I would like to think the "Go for it!" posts were written under the same pretense. Ed has some challenges to overcome, but there are plenty of us out here that have overcome them in order to follow our passions. We need guys that put their foot up our butt, tough love, and we need encouragement. All posts are helpful, if we are willing to be helped. Ed, go for it with this in mind. Your safety, your crews safety, and everyone goes home.
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Permalink Reply by ED Squires on
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I do know how inportant being in shape is to be a firefighter, that is one reason I have not " gone for it " yet. Being 43 and out of shape I did not think it was possible at this point in my life, but when the Capt. asked me if I was going to gone, it really got me thinking . He told me the things I could start with, and if it was what I wanted I could go further. I dont think I could live with myself if I did something that got someone else hurt or killed do to my lack of ability to preform on the fire ground.
I need to get in shape, regardless of firefighting or not it's just time to get off my ass and do it.
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ED,
DJ said what Jack would have said if he weren't such an ornery prick.
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Permalink Reply by Elbert S. Jackson on
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I 've read all the comments and opinions, all of which are tried and true. I recommend you look deep into your heart to determine the depth of your desire, commitment, motivation, and aspiration. If you choose to pursue your passion, your body will tell you what you need to do to get in shape. If you are driven, you will do what's necessary meet the physical demand of being a part of the fire service. For all it's worth, I joined my community fire department last September 2009, I am currently in the Fire Service Academy with 4 weeks to go. I am 55 years old, and will be 56 this year. I am fueled by my desire and commitment, and inspired by all the professional firefighters in my department and across the Firefighter Nation, through their comradery and love for the profession. So go deep inside you heart before you make the this crucial decision.
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Permalink Reply by Chief Dino on
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Good for you Ed, keep at it.
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Permalink Reply by Sylvia Yarborough on
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First and foremost, your health is most important. Get a full physical, including a stress test, EKG, etc. Then, consider putting a regular exercise plan in place, alone with a healthy diet. Although you are only driving the truck, you may end up doing far more than that. It would be unsafe for you and your fellow firefighters to join the fire service in your current condition. Good luck and God Bless.
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Permalink Reply by Melissa Eastwood on
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Go for it. On our department, before you become a member you have to go through a complete physical. I would strongly suggest that you do that before joining. I am 43 myself and have been a firefighter for going on 12 years. Lets face it, some of us 40+ year olds have more energy then the 20 year olds. Good Luck.
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Permalink Reply by Kris Lingle on
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You are NEVER to old to pursue a dream. I just joined as a 46 year old woman. Not in the best of shape.
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Permalink Reply by Bill Mulligan on
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I think with your physical condition you should think it over not so much age. There are plenty of brothers out there who are over 43 doing it everyday. With your truck driving back ground maybe a driver is a good way to start it may help free up a guy to packup. I would say join and understand your limitations.
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If the dream being pursued is a hobby, I'd agree. Being a rookie you might not know any better, but age and conditioning are important considerations in firefighting. You'll likely have a better understanding when the "dream" (fire) is pursuing you.
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