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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 Allen Wahlstrom on
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Marine... are you a 5 point vet? If so you are able to get into a fire training program with DoD. 37 is max age and there are departments that hire GS-4 firefighters with an eye on growing them.
Go to USA Jobs look under 0081 and make sure you put in vet pref.
You may have to move, but if you want in, this is a great way.
TCSS and thanks for your service,
Wally
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Permalink Reply by David VanNamee on
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Well your a young Pup, just went back to the local FD after being out for 10 years. I am 48 years old and a CFR. Just completed update training for SCBA, and ready to play. So please join and have some fun, you are only as old as you feel. I feel great.
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Permalink Reply by Joseph McMahon on
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Thanks, John. My mistake...
Joe
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Permalink Reply by Michael Brittain on
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I am 37 and joined a VFD at 35. Since coming into this wonderful dreamworld of fire and rescue I have continually been offered a job at numerous dept's. I started as an EMT and moved into fire. I have 8 yrs Army and one of the Biggest comments about me is similar to what another person said earlier; my "Life Experience", military discipline and old dawg mentality combined with a very physically fit body are the big asset. AND they say that because of my age and past experiences mix well with having a new and fresh look at the dept. I would say your value in Candor and Military background are worth the same, if not more than the 21 yr old rookie Braun.
Good Luck Brother. I have a full time job that I HAVE to work but I Happily put in at Least 25-35 hrs a week at the station!
In Faith,
Michael
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Permalink Reply by Andrew Dalgarno on
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On our volunteer department, we don't turn anybody away. Age doesn't matter so much as ability. We've got a few older guys (60+) that aren't going to go running into a burning building, but you know what...The two that are 70+ are the best darn pump operators ever. The rest do traffic control, run rehab, change out air bottles. There's lots of "small" jobs that are just as important!
Andrew
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Permalink Reply by Robert St. Germain on
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I'm 42 years old. I am fit and can sometimes run circles around the younger ones. Being of sound mind and body helps alot. I can go into a burning building just as good as the next guy. Being alert and using your experience helps out alot.
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Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on
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The guys that mention benefits and retirement are all correct in regards to paid departments. Each one is different, but the largest paid department here has a policy that you must retire when your years of service plus your age equal 75. Their cutoff age is 35. EX: If you got on with them right now and worked 20 years you'd be 55. (55 plus 20 = 75.) That's the reason for the cutoff.
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Correction...The paid department near here uses age plus years of service equals 80, not 75. Sorry 'bout that. A buddy corrected me today when he said he is able to retire at age 53 because he started when he was 27.
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Permalink Reply by Joe Workman on
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here in Il, all paid departments have a cut off of between 32 and 35, I will be 37 in a couple of weeks and have been on my department for six months but it is a volunteer service and according to our bylaws a person has to be physically able to do all aspects of the job, if you can't get on a paid service you might want to check into volunteer
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Permalink Reply by Reg Mathis on
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When your hose dribbles instead of squirts?
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