Considering Joining My Local FD

So, I am considering joining my local FD, I just think I wouldn't be able to do it, I am under weight for my age, I am like 115 Pounds and I am like 5"6 and I am 18 year's old I dont want to be the weak link in the department, anyone have any idea's.

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Permalink Reply by Asst. Chief GARY L. NEWMAN on February 12, 2009 at 9:33pm

Don't know what requirements your local fire dept. has but why not give it a try. If you are in good health and really want to work at it you can be as good a firefighter as the big guys. You are young-you will most likely get bigger. Drive, desire, courage, compassion and sincerity will take you a long way. Best of luck

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Permalink Reply by Carlo on February 12, 2009 at 9:35pm

thank's chief, the thing the only downside I probably have also is that I have asthma, but If the firefighters that smoke can do it, I am sure I could. I just think I am a bit undersized for my age.

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Permalink Reply by Doug on February 12, 2009 at 9:37pm

We have a female firefighter in my department that is about your size, and I would go into battle any day with her. If she can do it, so can you.

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Permalink Reply by Carlo on February 12, 2009 at 10:42pm

thats good to know, I am just not sure If id be able to pick up the dummy etc.

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Permalink Reply by Marc on February 12, 2009 at 11:29pm

Gym membership
3 days a week for 2 hours
give it 2 months and you will have weight and mussle
and like Asst. Chief GARY L. NEWMAN said:
" Drive, desire, courage, compassion and sincerity will take you a long way."
this is true

we had a guy that i know who is 5'3.5"
so u got hieight on him and he is not big he just worked his butt off during rookie year so people will see he can compete with the big dogs

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Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on February 13, 2009 at 12:00am

Go for it bro!!! There is a place for everyone in the fire dept. I think you will surprise your self in what you can do as a ff.
Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Carlo on February 13, 2009 at 12:40am

Yea I have seriously though about it, I need to get a steady job, I am hoping to go to college next year to, took a year off after a graduated didn't get everything I needed. probably gonna pursue business or something along's those lines and do FF as a side job or when I have nothing to do.

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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on February 13, 2009 at 1:04am

Carlo, its not the size of the Lion its the size of its heart! You say you want to join your local fire department, well? You have your desire and heart to contribute. Thats the start. They can definitely use you. I have seen small ladies with less weight then you make it no problem. So you will do fine. We all bring our talents and abilities to the job. Give it heck Bro.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Brooks on February 13, 2009 at 1:58am

Have you ever been in a situation where being smaller has been an advantage? I have. I'm 5'8 and 140, and a real asset to my department. IT's not about size and brute strength! Fire and EMS is a team sport, and everyone can have a specialty if the desire to help people is there. Do it! and good luck!
Lt. Joe Brooks
Dexter Fire

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Permalink Reply by Carlo on February 13, 2009 at 8:49am

Nope, But I go only guess the situation your speaking of? a MVA Vehicle Entrapment where the guy has to crawl through the back window and hold patient steady and calm why they cut off the roof? etc besides you have like 2-3 more inches on me and like 30-35 more pounds, there's a slight advantage lol.