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Comment by YAVONNE RELYEA on June 30, 2008 at 10:33am

I want to do that,but due to having back and a neck injury i can't pick up anything weighing over 5 lbs,puts stress on those areas.I also have a hard time sitting for certian periods and also have a hard time walking and standing for short periods of time.I emailed the vol firefighters association to see if i could get certificates online,but no response back.

Comment by 4233 on June 30, 2008 at 10:15am

My brother is not disabled but became physically handicapped some years ago. He has become an 20 plus year member of a fire department that understands his commitment and dedication. He got all his basic certs out of the way, and kept at it whenever he could. He would change SCBA bottles at the scene, freeing up personnel, among other outside duties. We eventually named him safety officer. What better person? He had to stay outside, he was perfect for accountability. He was "hard core" at the station with weekly and monthly safety checks ( I would rather have that than someone who didn't take the time to do it right). Overall...there is always something out there YOU can do help an emergency service organization.

Comment by YAVONNE RELYEA on June 28, 2008 at 2:43pm

Any other ideas,pther than dispatching?

Comment by Amanda Kiser on June 26, 2008 at 11:19pm

I would try to start a smaller dispatch center and move your way up. I am a Emergency Dispatcher as well as a EMT/FF. I know that monster.com has a few listings for dispatchers. I found mine on there. Just dont try to push your self. work your way in to it. Remeber Dispatcher are the first on scene. I think most of the people that I work with are involved in some sort of Public Safety. Life is to short to give up on any dreams, even if you have to make a side stepp in a diffrent direction, always remember that "WE" are a team and there is no I in team. There is always somehting to do on any Fire scene...Best of luck to all.

Comment by YAVONNE RELYEA on June 26, 2008 at 4:27pm

I became disabled from a rescue call accident and injured my neck and lower back as a volunteer. I sit home and wander what am i going to do with the rest of my life.I was a volunteer firefighter for 20yrs and an emt-d for 7yrs,all down the tubes. How can we as disabled firefighter get jobs in the ems and fire service to continue doing what we have wanted to do for so long. I tried the dispatch route and was told i had to have a year or more computer experience,i work on the computer all the time,just can't memorize the keyboard,what else is there?

Comment by Tim Meckler # 575 on June 22, 2008 at 9:44am

you are 100% rite. there is always something that needs to be done and you just might be that person i always say

Comment by Ben Waller on June 21, 2008 at 11:49pm

Stephen,

Have you ever considered a career as a dispatcher.
I know several dispatchers with physical limitations that prevent them from being a firefighter, cop, or EMT. Dispatching is a critical job and you get to help others without having to be physically present at the scene.

If you're interested, I'd encourage you to look at an emergency telecommuncations career.

Good luck and keep up the positive attitude!

Comment by Lisa on June 21, 2008 at 9:25pm

Nice. Very inspiring.