hi everyone

[YaDude]

Hi guys. I have a question for everyone. I have wanted to be a fire fighter for many years now but always thought I was getting too old to start. I've just turned 28 in May. I'm also not sure if i'm too short as i'm 5'7" tall.
I've been working with computer programming for the past ten years and just feel it isn't for me anymore. I can't see myself being in an office my whole life.
So my question is what is the best way to get started on becoming a fire fighter. Should i look into college classes or something. I have no clue were to start or what the path to take consists of.
Looking on the internet I did find some college classes at a junior college near my house and it looks like i would need to take the classes and then join the academy.
I hope this is the right area of the forum to post this question. I appreciate and thank you for all your help.

[YaDude]

sorry, i think i should have posted this in the Hiring and Employment Discussion. I cant figure out how to delete this post so please disregard and i will post it again there.
Thank you

[Lieutenant516]

Well I'm simular story, little younger. Was going to school for Software Engineering. Decided that it wasn't the career for me (at the time I had been in the vol fire department for 2 years). I am currently working on getting my EMT, then Paramedic. So far I havent taken a test yet to get onto a company, taking one this winter but I dont have a residency in any cities with a paid department yet.

I wish I could help ya out, but I'm in the same boat as you....

And two things.... Classes you can take would be EMT and Paramedic, if you want to put that time in. They are useful. Also make sure you get into shape. You can find tips on firerecruit.com aswell for interview training and job postings.

And with your height, being shorter isn't bad for the fire service. If the crap hits the fan, being small helps you get out of tight spots, or if someone needs to rescue you, being small will help you. Now for rope rescue, you might have some trouble using your legs to keep the victim off the wall, but that doesn't matter too much.

[YaDude]

Thanks for the info. i will check out that website. I did see some classes for EMT at the junior college and it looks like its part of the requirements for the fire academy. I will look into starting out with those classes.
This is what i'm referring to from the local junior college by my house. I used to go there quite a few years ago for general ed classes. But here is a link i found for their fire program. http://firetech.mtsac.edu/
Just wondering if this is the right direction to be going.

[Dave1983]

If we knew what part of the counry your in, we may be able to offer more help. Each state is different requirements.

As for being short, shouldnt be an issue.

[scote3232]

Nope...I started out just like you, but a few years older. I'm also short as well. I was in the IT world and just couldn't take it any more.

Go for it, get in shape and do your thing. I got hired on my first try with a very good department.

[cozmosis]

Like Dave said, the requirements to be a firefighter can differ greatly from state to state. In Arkansas, we have an age restriction. In civil service departments, rookies with no experience must be younger than 32. I know we have one volunteer (32+) who moved to Virginia so that he could become a career firefighter.

Also, some regions emphasize education before applying for the job. Heck, there are departments that want you to be a paramedic first. In others, they'll take you off the street with the knowledge you possess right now and train you how they want.

[firetruckred]

Go to your local Fire Department and ask them what the steps are to become a Firefighter.Talk with the Lt's and Capt's as well as the Firefighters. : ) Check out the local training facility or academy, this will give you in depth knowledge of the training and process in your area. Ask the local Dept or administration if they have a website. Good luck in your endeavors.

[YaDude]

If we knew what part of the counry your in, we may be able to offer more help. Each state is different requirements.

As for being short, shouldnt be an issue.

I live in Temple City which is one of the many cities in Los Angeles County. Its right next door to Pasadena.

Thank you everyone for your advise. It really gives me hope that i still have the opportunity to do this.
I'm going to go over to the local fire stations (Temple City, Rosemead, Pasadena) and talk to them.

[NortheastFF]

In Massachusetts the sure way to get hired, even without your EMT license is Vet's preference. The Army, Coast Guard and Navy all have two year active duty programs. Vet's preference is the way to go. The two years goes by fast and it's worth it for the best job in the world.

[CALFFBOU]

YaDude- I graduated from the Mt. Sac Fire academy in 1990. It was an awesome program back then. (Where did 16 years go?)

Anyways, youre in LA County and there are hundreds of candidates down there. Please check out the forums board at www.firecareers.com and start looking into the jobs section there.

Youre welcome to chat with me for some advice. Please PM me for a cell phone # exchange.

-Bou

[drparasite]

should have been a new thread

[nyckftbl]

Ok, before anyone asks, I'm referring for a fires in a highrise something like 20 stories in the air. where the fire is out of the reach of an aerial ladder.

I know FDNY (probably ones of the foremost experts in these types of fires) has 5 trucks responding to a highrise fire (instead of the usual 3), but if the fire (and the victums) are out of reach of the aerials, why not just call for additional engine companies?

What does this have to do with being short?

Short version:
Engines put out fires, Trucks search. Very simple reason.

Longer version: With any type of hi rise or project fire, smoke is going to fill every floor above the fire. With this comes calls for smoke from residents or occupants above the fire. Every floor, every stairwell, and every apt. from which a phone call was made must be searched/checked.

[drparasite]

sorry, that was supposed to be in a new thread. I will fix

[RFD1067]

Hi guys. I have a question for everyone. I have wanted to be a fire fighter for many years now but always thought I was getting too old to start. I've just turned 28 in May. I'm also not sure if i'm too short as i'm 5'7" tall.
I've been working with computer programming for the past ten years and just feel it isn't for me anymore. I can't see myself being in an office my whole life.
So my question is what is the best way to get started on becoming a fire fighter. Should i look into college classes or something. I have no clue were to start or what the path to take consists of.
Looking on the internet I did find some college classes at a junior college near my house and it looks like i would need to take the classes and then join the academy.
I hope this is the right area of the forum to post this question. I appreciate and thank you for all your help.

We have hired people in their 40's. 28 is not too late to get started.
ps. I grew up in the Temple city area. My sister graduated from TCHS and I from Rosemead High. I worked for Arcadia fire before I was hgired here in Riverside.
Good luck.
Jeff.