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Hello all. I'm in need of some advice from those of you in the know in the fire community. I am wanting to go career firefighter but I am wondeering if I am just wasting my time or if its just a pipe dream. I am currently a Captain on a volunteer dept. and am certified in FFI and FFII and hazmat operations. I am also a member of the Northern Utah Region I Technical Rescue team and am certified as a Rope Rescue Technician. I will be getting Technician ratings in confined space, trench collapse, and vehicle extrication shortly, and will be completing EMT training shortly as well. I currently own a construction company but my business partner (brother) is going to be leaving to follow his dream of opening a restaurant, and i would like to now follow mine to become a career Fire fighter. Now for the problem. I am 36 years old. the question I have is with my advanced age do you guys think I would have any chance of getting hired. I know departments will tell you there is no age restriction but I am seeking all of your real world advice. I really appreciate your time and any help any of you could offer would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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My good friend is 43 and just went through rookie school. It can happen. -
I work at a "very" large, southern California department, and the average age of many of our past 20 or more academies was 36 years of age. Now in addition to that, there have been many that have gone through the academy from their early 40's to nearly 50 years of age. What's more, I've heard many comments that my department likes to hire more 'mature" candidates, for obvious reasons (maturity, families, responsible, dependable).
So it's ALL UP TO YOU! It would appear you have a great background. I believe it's a novelty now to hire someone who knows the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver. If you're in great shape, stay in shape! If you're not, get in shape! All other things considered, you have just as great a chance as a 20 year old snotty nosed kid who....well...doesn't know the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver!
"The Axeman"
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"Purpose, Truth and Passion Yields POWER AND DOMINION IN ACTION!!!"Comment
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You have a commonly asked question, and as the captain above answered, your age won't limit your success unless you're looking at a department that might have specific age restrictions (most don't). When I was a recruit school instructor, I had a number of recruits in thier 40's and a handful in their 50's. Don't let your age stifle your enthusiasm for the job...Career Fire Captain
Volunteer Chief Officer
Never taking for granted that I'm privileged enough to have the greatest job in the world!Comment
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I've got two guys in my academy class that are 38 and are awesome guys. I don't think this is as much of an issue as it might once have been.Isaiah 43:1-2
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.Comment
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