Some advice needed

[co1669]

Hello all,
I am a 41 year old man who always wanted to be a firefighter but things never worked out.I live in NYC and there are still a few volunteer fire departments.I did not join them years ago due to family and my job but now i have the time to focus my energy on training.The volunteer departments really dont see that much action because the FDNY would respond to the calls so it would be basically training and drills.With that said my question is am i to old to be starting this and am i just chasing my dream?Any help would be appreciated.

[tree68]

If you're reasonable fit, I see no reason why you can't.

[pasobuff]

What part of NYC are you in? If you are in an area covered by a volunteer department FDNY should not be responding as a primary.....

[co1669]

Pasobuff,
I live in Brooklyn which has 1 Vol. department and i am also interested in a Vol. dept in Queens

[Rice09]

Hello all,
I am a 41 year old man who always wanted to be a firefighter but things never worked out.I live in NYC and there are still a few volunteer fire departments.I did not join them years ago due to family and my job but now i have the time to focus my energy on training.The volunteer departments really dont see that much action because the FDNY would respond to the calls so it would be basically training and drills.With that said my question is am i to old to be starting this and am i just chasing my dream?Any help would be appreciated.

I joined when I was 36. I took Firefighter 1 when I was 37. There were older guys, some my age, some older who decided to get off the truck and go interior. I noticed that all the older guys took the committment serious and we all passed. Some younger guys dropped out. Some didn't have time, some didn't realize how demanding it was, but a few I noticed were maybe slightly immature for the class. Nothing against them, I might have been the same way in my teens. I just think there is more to firefighting than just your physical ability. You have to think fast and make good decisions. The blind maze and confined space freaked guys right out! The bottom line is if you're healthy, and even that is a gray area, you shouldn't have an issue.

[voyager9]

As was just said, if you're in good shape and have the time then check into it. It can't hurt to contact the departments and find out more information.

[FWDbuff]

What part of NYC are you in? If you are in an area covered by a volunteer department FDNY should not be responding as a primary.....

Paso- the volly companies in NYC face the same manpower shortages that most other VFD's face. As a result, FDNY is simultaneously dispatched whenever a VFDNY is dispatched.

IIRC, there are one or two companies on Staten Island, one or two in Queens, 1 or 2 Bklyn, and there was one or two in the Bronx, but I understand one of them folded 2 or 3 years ago (mismanagement and possible criminal activity by some of the officers....)

[pasobuff]

Pasobuff,
I live in Brooklyn which has 1 Vol. department and i am also interested in a Vol. dept in Queens

Is this the department? http://gbfd.net/ - if so, look like they do run calls - so you wouldn't be 'just training'....

My opinion is that you are NOT too old to start - I've known many people who first joined a department in their 30s or 40s.....I would approach the vol. dept. about joining, and start getting some training and experience, and possibly making new friends and contacts.....you can also then start attending classes sponsored by NYS, either regionally or by traveling out to the NYS Fire Academy.......if you have any questions about that training, please feel free to ask!

[pasobuff]

Paso- the volly companies in NYC face the same manpower shortages that most other VFD's face. As a result, FDNY is simultaneously dispatched whenever a VFDNY is dispatched.

IIRC, there are one or two companies on Staten Island, one or two in Queens, 1 or 2 Bklyn, and there was one or two in the Bronx, but I understand one of them folded 2 or 3 years ago (mismanagement and possible criminal activity by some of the officers....)

Thanks FWD.....looks liek 1 vol dept left in Brooklyn from my searches...sure is different from when my Dad was a kid there!

[Blulakr]

Hello all,
I am a 41 year old man who always wanted to be a firefighter but things never worked out.I live in NYC and there are still a few volunteer fire departments.I did not join them years ago due to family and my job but now i have the time to focus my energy on training.The volunteer departments really dont see that much action because the FDNY would respond to the calls so it would be basically training and drills.With that said my question is am i to old to be starting this and am i just chasing my dream?Any help would be appreciated.

As previously mentioned your physical condition would be the biggest hurdle.

Even though it maybe mostly training and drills you need to be prepared for the real thing.

I first became a vollie at 39. At the FF1 academy I was able to measure my physical abilities against mostly younger people there and I did ok.

If I were you I would focus on becoming an engineer\apparatus operator, medic\emt or some other less physical task. Let the young'uns get the glory.

[co1669]

Great.Thanks for the advice guys.I am going to go for it.Beside my partner at work keeps on telling me to do it.He was a federal firefighter and is a volunteer on Long Island for for 20 years now.

[co1669]

[QUOTE=pasobuff;1256085]Is this the department? http://gbfd.net/ - if so, look like they do run calls

Yes pasobuff that is the Brooklyn department and the other department i am looking into is West Hamilton beach VFD