Height?

[Malaka]

Hey,

I realize height is an integral part of firefighting. I am considering a career as a firefighter. I tend to agree with the idea that it's the size of the fight in the dog, rather than the size of the dog itself, but more and more, I realize height is very important to a firefighter. As for myself, I'm 5'8'', and have a large build. I weight-lift routinely, eat right, and live the active lifestyle. Genes gave me health and stregth, but they gave me no height. I am wondering if I would still be functional on a force made up of the proverbial 6'8'' jaugernaut firefighter. What are some vet's opinions on height? I am just as capable as anyone else, have the ambition, but I still have to know, what do you guys think?

[Karhooligan]

Height is integral to basketball and ceiling painting, among other things. Firefighting... not so much. Being tall can be an asset and a hindrance, same as having a smaller stature can be. How you use that size is the barometer you should be looking at. I am not an expert on height requirements, but I can tell you there are plenty of FF's your size. Don't let that be a crutch; turn it into a positive. You can fit into many spaces the bigger FF's cannot. Just by pure guestimate, there are far more 5'8" FF's than the proverbial 6'8" jaugernauts. Don't let it be a burden, bud.

Karhooligan

[fireman4949]

Hey,

I realize height is an integral part of firefighting. I am considering a career as a firefighter. I tend to agree with the idea that it's the size of the fight in the dog, rather than the size of the dog itself, but more and more, I realize height is very important to a firefighter. As for myself, I'm 5'8'', and have a large build. I weight-lift routinely, eat right, and live the active lifestyle. Genes gave me health and stregth, but they gave me no height. I am wondering if I would still be functional on a force made up of the proverbial 6'8'' jaugernaut firefighter. What are some vet's opinions on height? I am just as capable as anyone else, have the ambition, but I still have to know, what do you guys think?

Do it! Nuff said.



Kevin :D

[RadRob]

Not to be a smart a$$ or anything, but that is why we have ladders. Height shouldn't be a concern unless you are a pump operator and can't reach the controls. Joke of course. If it is something that really interests you, go for it.

[NDeMarse]

If you can get past the short jokes that come with the traditional ball breaking in the firehouse then you will be fine.

If you are very short then you might have to grab an 10' hook where a 6' 2" guy might grab a 6' hook.

I wouldn't worry about it or let it stop you.

[Malaka]

Thanks guys for all the votes of confidence. I am going to pursue firefighting, and just wanted to see what some of the guys already on the job thought. Feel free to keep posting, but thanks again for all your advice. Hell, I'd still try if I were 4'11. I'm ready for the general ball-breaking of the firehouse, because I believe in one philosophy, be ready to eat what you give others. Anyway, thanks for all the help guys.

[SAFD46Truck]

I believe in one philosophy, be ready to eat what you give others.

If you already know this then you are going to do just fine. :)

[KeithA8]

5'8"? That's tall! I'm 5'6" and have been in the fire service for 16 years and it was never an issue. In the kitchen I need help reaching the top cabinet but that's it. I'm also thick. I weigh 210 lbs. with a 46" chest. So you are not short!

[benlewis60]

Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to join our department.

We have height requirements that mandate you must be at least 6' 8"


This allows us to save money on single ground ladders.

[Golzy12]

That's hilarious

Where I goto school most of my teachers are on the same department, so in class each teacher tells us funny stories about the other teachers, one of the teachers is like 5'5" and another teacher was telling us about how he was the only one on the department who could fit into the attic holes through the ceiling. the department doesnt call them attic holes anymore, now the whole department call those holes by the teachers last name, and the teacher is now chief of the department.

[Co11FireGal]

That's hilarious

Where I goto school most of my teachers are on the same department, so in class each teacher tells us funny stories about the other teachers, one of the teachers is like 5'5" and another teacher was telling us about how he was the only one on the department who could fit into the attic holes through the ceiling. the department doesnt call them attic holes anymore, now the whole department call those holes by the teachers last name, and the teacher is now chief of the department.

Yup, about 5'5" here, and pretty much the only one who can fit into "attic holes." Never had any problems really...just realized early on that I'd have to work with it so why worry. On the bright side, I take all of the confined spaces training I can get! Did have a car fire once and the rescue was parked on a hill and I couldn't reach the nozzle to get the line off the truck. :o But then I realized that's why they put a compartment right under that...JUST FOR ME! :cool: :p Opened the compartment door and stepped right in the compartment. ;)

[lutan1]

The taller you are, the harder you fall.... :rolleyes:

[PattyV]

Just remember, the taller you are, the closer you are to the heat! :eek:

[firefiftyfive]

Height means nothing! I'm a 5' 7' (on a good day) 165lb truckie! I find that I have a few advantages on the bigger guys. Mostly in low basements,narrow hallways,and fire escapes. :) Don't let your size ever hold you back. Everyone always told me I was too small. "Too small to play high school football, too small to play college ball, etc etc." Well I've done it ;) And I'm sure you can at 5'8"

And yes I get my chops busted on a regular basis for being the smallest guy. But hey, thats my place and I like it!

[doughesson]

Our senior engineer is 5'5".Don't EVER think that he can't reach a control cause after he adjusts it the way he wants it,you'll be off the truck looking for a ride back to the station for safety reasons:your safety,his reasons.
I'm 5'8" myself(depending on what convenience store I'm leaving,of course) and used to work on the river which is another bastion of large men.Being on a harbor boat got me to working out often enough that there'd be 6'6" 250 lb line boat guys dropping out while I was still dragging rigging around in whatever weather and temperatures we had.
Just do whatever it takes to get the job done,and don't worry about being"short",malaka.The public doesn't care how tall you are,just that you make fixee fixee on their problems.

Not to be a smart a$$ or anything, but that is why we have ladders. Height shouldn't be a concern unless you are a pump operator and can't reach the controls. Joke of course. If it is something that really interests you, go for it.

[doughesson]

Has some wise acre waited for you to use that trick and close the door on you?What was your response?


Did have a car fire once and the rescue was parked on a hill and I couldn't reach the nozzle to get the line off the truck. :o But then I realized that's why they put a compartment right under that...JUST FOR ME! :cool: :p Opened the compartment door and stepped right in the compartment. ;)

[pistolpete7777]

Hey man, i feel your pain.I am about 5'7, and that thought always crossed my mind as well. Anyways, guys i am 18 years old and a freshman in college. I am positive i want firefighting to be my career. I applied to a small town department to be a volunteer, but i had to move to Chicogo becuase of family and college problems. This isnt a bad thing neccesarily because of hte upcoming exam in 2006. I really was looking into it, until i saw the age requirements. It said you have to at least 19 years old, and i wont be turning 19 until may.THe only hope i have is if they have it past then, right? Like i said, i am very new to this and any input from the vets would be greatly appreciated.

[PFDTruck18]

We got several very short (just over 5') guys on the job. 3 of them happen to be some of the best engine guys I know. They all work for some of the busiest companies in Philly and I would crawl the hall with em anyday.

[scote3232]

I'm 5'6....and am in an aweseome career department....I'm in great shape, work out regularly....You'll do fine.

[CaptainGonzo]

Some of the best firefighters I know are between around 5' 2" and 5' 6"tall.

I know some "doorway dancers" who are over 6 feet tall.

Height means diddlysquat.. it's skill, knowledge and courage that matter!