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When are you too old to become a firefighter?
Hello everyone. I appreciate being able to post on this site although I am not a firefighter. Like many people out there, I have dreamed of becoming one since I was a kid, but, also like many out there, life takes a different path and you go in a different direction.
I am now 35 years old and looking into options for applying at various fire departments. All of them say there is no maximum age, but is this really true, or will applications of older candidates be rejected? If it takes several years to be selected for a spot, I could be pushing 40 before I start . . . I'm just curious if anyone out there has a perspective on starting this career later in life. Is it possible? Is it common? Do departments hire older candidates?
I'm dedicated to staying in shape through running, biking, and swimming, so I don't feel the physical test would be a hindrance, but I wonder if departments shy away from hiring older applicants.
I would appreciate your feedback, and thanks again for the opportunity to post.
I am now 35 years old and looking into options for applying at various fire departments. All of them say there is no maximum age, but is this really true, or will applications of older candidates be rejected? If it takes several years to be selected for a spot, I could be pushing 40 before I start . . . I'm just curious if anyone out there has a perspective on starting this career later in life. Is it possible? Is it common? Do departments hire older candidates?
I'm dedicated to staying in shape through running, biking, and swimming, so I don't feel the physical test would be a hindrance, but I wonder if departments shy away from hiring older applicants.
I would appreciate your feedback, and thanks again for the opportunity to post.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Loyd Dittfurth on
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alot of the big citys have a cut off on the hiring at the age of 35
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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It depends upon what the dept determines. For the most part an age cutoff for some depts isn't about the ability to do the job, but more regarding retirements and benefits. I would say there are more depts out there that do not have a cutoff and I have known guys to get hired in their late 30's and even 40's. A few years ago I know of Madison, WI hiring a guy in his 40's.
The question moreso is what do you bring to the table and what kind of training and certification do you have. Many depts do look for some education and while it may not be required to get hired, it can help set you apart. Some depts do require certifications and those can be obtained from some technical colleges.
If the dept does not have a cut off age then they really can't toss your application for being older, that is discrimination. So instead of worrying about age and you want to be a FF, look on what you can bring to the table and how to stand out.
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Permalink Reply by Rick K. on
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All depends on the Dept.Most of them i've talked to or herd from others is 32.But have herd of some that dont have any age restrictions at all,but I cant see them hiring a 40 plus person when you have 21-say 32
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Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Ellynn Brooke on
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I wouldn't think that there was a age limit. Many FD have elders in as members that look like they are 50 years old or a bit older. As long as you are able to do the job then I wouldn't see why you wouldn't be able to get into one.
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but I cant see them hiring a 40 plus person when you have 21-say 32
It still doesn't matter, unless there is a specified max age, then it doesn't matter how old the applicant is. If they meet the qualifications they have the same shot of getting a job. Not hiring just because of one's age is discrimination and is right up there with race and gender as something you can't discriminate against.
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Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on
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I'll be 50 this May, and I while I may not be as quick as some of the younger guys and girls, the patience and wisdom that comes with a few years of "seasoning" come in real handy when you're surrounded by a bunch of headless chickens!
TCSS
Reg
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a few years of "seasoning" come in real handy when you're surrounded by a bunch of headless chickens!
I picture you with an apron on in front of a grill after that comment Reg.
:-)
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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Well considering that I am now three weeks away from turning 56 and have been doing this gig since 1973, I suppose I have a couple of opinions worth sharing regarding your question.
First off, this is a young persons job. The incredibly physical rigors of the job over time causes injuries and problems for a lot of firefighters. Coming into the game late has an advantage of not having to run the risk of injuries. I do want to clarify that regardless of the fact that the job is really meant for younger folks, many of the new hires are in their late twenties and early 30's. The mind set here is that it is more valuable to have someone come into the department that has more 'life experience'.
A reality check however is that for a department to hire you and spend the money to train and outfit you, there is not as much bang for the buck so to speak. Your career length will be considerably shorter which is both good and bad. You will have less years in so the department knows that they won't have to pay as much retirement for you.
Regardless of anything I have said, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of age... Period.
CBz
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Well, I guess that would be the ultimate in "fire control"!!
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Permalink Reply by Joseph McMahon on
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Hello all,
I wasn't going to respond to this thread, I agree with all the observations. But just as a point of information, the New York City Fire Department (as an example) does have an age limit. I believe it is 35 (don't quote me) and they will add a few years if you have prior military service.
I sort of remember that certain emergency service type positions can have maximum age requirements, regardless of whether or not you could pass the test. I believe this is also true with the military. So, "age-discrimination" is not an iron-clad absolute. Or so it appears...
Regards,
Joe
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I believe this is also true with the military. So, "age-discrimination" is not an iron-clad absolute. Or so it appears...
If you go back a few replies that is addressed that a dept can have a cutoff for age, but that tends to go along with benefits and such and not ability to do the job. A dept that does not have a cutoff age can not discriminate for a person's age.
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