Looking for advise

[Mamps1228]

I am very interested in pursuing a long time dream of becoming a ff.
I have no idea where to begin and I do have a few strikes against me.

I am going to be 30 years old in December (is that too old?)
I am a cancer survivor this year and I do not know if this will adversely effect my medical test.
I have a family, and my wife does not work outside the home so I would have to keep my current job and try to take any classes in the evening. I can not afford to have any off time from income to pursue this.

I am in good shape and I love hard work. So I am not worried about the demands, I am worried about trying to get on somewhere.

Any advise negative or positive will be greatly appreciated.
I live in Pataskala which is about 15 minutes East of Columbus.

Thanks

[Firemedic515]

You're not too old yet, but you'll need to move fast. If you really want a career job, you may need to be willing to relocate. My advise would be to do an EMT Basic course and then a 240 hour level II fire course. Many places offer these classes on nights and weekends so students can work their day jobs. Westerville is hiring, but they require these certifications to even apply. The competition in Ohio is tough. Good luck.

[mkamann]

What part of Ohio do you live in? I live outside of Toledo and I know a couple places where you can get all the training. Plus joining a volunteer department is also a way to get free training if there is one where you live.

[Mamps1228]

Thank you for the 411!
I appreciate the advise

[firenresq77]

I live in Pataskala which is about 15 minutes East of Columbus.

Thanks

I have an uncle and some cousins that live there!!

[firenresq77]

What part of Ohio do you live in? I live outside of Toledo and I know a couple places where you can get all the training. Plus joining a volunteer department is also a way to get free training if there is one where you live.

Matt, is this you from the LTFD?!?!?!?

[mkamann]

Yes it is me, and who might you be from Northwood FD

[wilson10]

Coshocton Fire Department will be testing next month. You are NOT too old yet, but 31 is our age cut off. This is by time of employment so if you were hired b4 december next year you would be fine. You would have to relocate to this area but is well worth it if this is the career you want to pursue. You will be paid to get all of your training as you will be on the payroll when you attend school. We do not run any EMS so being and EMT is not too important, although we do run some first responder calls

[Mamps1228]

Could you give me any additional details on this test. I am familiar with Coshocton becasue I ride my bike through there but I could not find the fire house.
Is there a website or phone number you could provide me with?
Thanks for the post! Great info.

[wilson10]

In this same area (Ohio) I posted some info. The website is www.coshoctonfire.org
Not a great website but it has the info. The firehouse is on 7th St. You can't miss it once you are on seventh. Feel free to send me a PM with questions or even email me cwilson@coshoctonfire.org

[RFRDxplorer]

mkamann,

Just to introduce myself, my name is Jake Hoffman and I am an Explorer Capt. with Rossford. You will find that there are quite a few guys from the Toledo area on the forums.

Glad to see ya here and if ya need anything don't hesitate to ask!

[firenresq77]

Yes it is me, and who might you be from Northwood FD

B. D......... You know, the one you drive by almost every day you come home from work!!

Glad to see some more local folks on here!!!

[mkamann]

OK I know who you are. I think I am the only LTFD member.

[firenresq77]

I think you are too.......... So far.......

There are quite a few of us from this area on here.....

Weruj1 is Rossford 201......

2 of the Romstadt brothers are on here once in awhile

Ron Kay and Moe Collins from Washington Twp in Lucas County......

Joel is on here..... pfd109nfd107 is his name, I think

Todd Metcalf is nfd159

Some from maumee and Monclova, I think

[Weruj1]

thanks 77 for the info/intro ,...............Sup Matt ? welcome to forums !

[DellroyVFD08]

I am very interested in pursuing a long time dream of becoming a ff.
I have no idea where to begin and I do have a few strikes against me.

I am going to be 30 years old in December (is that too old?)
I am a cancer survivor this year and I do not know if this will adversely effect my medical test.
I have a family, and my wife does not work outside the home so I would have to keep my current job and try to take any classes in the evening. I can not afford to have any off time from income to pursue this.

I am in good shape and I love hard work. So I am not worried about the demands, I am worried about trying to get on somewhere.

Any advise negative or positive will be greatly appreciated.
I live in Pataskala which is about 15 minutes East of Columbus.

Thanks

I may take some hits for this, but have you considered your local volunteer dept.? I am turning 31 this year and have been on the dept. for under 4 years. I also had a dream of being a firefighter, but couldn't afford to take the risks associated with completely changing jobs. I've found that being on the dept. has been a great experience and my family and income is still stable. It will take some time for your wife and family to get used to you jumping up with no notice and running out the door regardless of what you're doing. PM me if you want any info on that route.