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Fire Fighter : Career Question.

yz450mm

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This thread literally has me scratching my head. At 40, I thought that I was long past any remote chance of going back to being a Firefighter/Emt.

FFI/FFII, all the wildland certs, BS in Fire Technology, five years as a 911 dispatcher, 7 years on an ambulance, Etc.

The last time I thought about going back I feel like I would have gotten laughed out of the interview because of my age. Now you guys are telling me that it might be possible?
 

4Waters

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This thread literally has me scratching my head. At 40, I thought that I was long past any remote chance of going back to being a Firefighter/Emt.

FFI/FFII, all the wildland certs, BS in Fire Technology, five years as a 911 dispatcher, 7 years on an ambulance, Etc.

The last time I thought about going back I feel like I would have gotten laughed out of the interview because of my age. Now you guys are telling me that it might be possible?
It is, go for it. The guy I was talking about at 42yo happened 20 year's ago
 

socal0487

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Younger brother is LA City Fire, and he dedicated his life since the age of 17 to making that happen. I’m shocked at some of these posts, when he was applying it was 1500+ people for 5 spots, now I’m seeing here that’s not remotely true anymore.

Crazy to see the grind has changed a bit. Job is still the same, but the path leading to it seems to have eased.

Props to you for having the nuts to make that switch.
Once all these baby boomers are retired, vacancies will dry up
 

Spectra18

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I have to ask, why at almost 40, do you want to become a FF? Serious question. You said youre in a dead end career and want a change but why the fire service? What do you know about the fire service? Are you married? Kids, age of kids? You’ll be asked these questions quite a bit while trying to get hired btw.

Im not trying to discourage you at all. I made the career change too later in life. I’m on my 4th career. I was hired as a straight FF and hated not being a medic. I went to PM school and changed depts. There’s a lot of opportunities available right now. I’m working way too much OT and the applicant pools are small. We need guys with life experience and skills. We just hired a bunch of straight FFs. I believe Ontario, LA city, LA county also hire straight FFs. If we open up again, I’ll let you know. It would be awesome to help someone on the board here grab a job.
To be completely honest now is the best time ever to want to be a FF. Every dept that I know of is understaffed and hiring. Having a paramedic cert would definitely help get you hired but by no means mandatory. The dept that I work for in Nevada is simply not seeing the number of applicants that we used to. Long gone are the days of 5,000 people applying. I know we just closed the application process and the number of applications was pretty low. Being that you’re in your 40’s you need to apply some place with the bare minimum requirements. Some large depts (mine included) only require a high school diploma and a cpat. We’ll teach you the rest. If you have any interest in working in Nevada please PM me.
I’m in Riverside. I’ve lived in Las Vegas when I was 12. Still have nightmares. I’d prefer to stay within the lower part of CA.
 

Spectra18

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Scott touched on it but make sure you have the support of your family. 24 hours shifts…..sometimes MANY days in a row. I’ve always said the job is harder on the family that the FF. Believe it or not what I am hearing from the FD recruiters is the hiring pool is pretty slim. 19 year olds that have never left the nest with no “real world” experience. Over 50% failing background investigations. Get you Emergency Medical Technician ,(EMT), cert, Fire 100 and 101 courses and then the Fire Academy. 1 year total. Fire 100 &101 on line. Cal Fire hiring almost 100% of all Fire Academy graduates if you apply. They know they are a stepping stone department for the most part but a lot of perks working for them also. My department, San Bernardino County Fire, can not hire fast enough. Get your EMT and apply for their Ambulance Operator position. Then test for FF and they will put you through their Academy, (Tower). PM me your number if you want to talk. Rick
Some depts, currently all you need to get hired is a pulse…. 👎🏼
Explain where ?????
 

Spectra18

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What state/city are you in? Like I said before some large depts are only requiring a high school diploma and a cpat.
Where ? I’m in riverside, CA. Doesn’t seem so easy.
 

Spectra18

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Very true. Some San Diego County agencies I've been doing backgrounds for, some of the shit they are ok with would shock you. So desperate, but they all stand their ground with FF/PM. It's ridiculous as they are missing out on some good folks who simply have no interest in being a medic.
Explain stand there ground in FF/Pm. Regarding the PM requirement ?
 

ahavasu

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Explain stand there ground in FF/Pm. Regarding the PM requirement ?
Yeah, they refuse to step away from their model of only hiring FF/PM even though they are getting fewer applicants and the ones they are getting are 50/50. Still see some super sharp kids coming through. They are the ones who were fire explorers, dad was in the fire service, and they are all certed up and have been a medic/EMT for a couple of years at 21/22. The others are rejects from other departments or have really crappy backgrounds that they (departments) are willing to consider. 20 years ago there was no way these guys would get past screening let alone into backgrounds. The same goes with cops. Cops these days coming in are way different than 30 years ago. You gotta be desperate for a job or a bit crazy to want to be a cop nowadays.
 

460 2.0

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This thread literally has me scratching my head. At 40, I thought that I was long past any remote chance of going back to being a Firefighter/Emt.

FFI/FFII, all the wildland certs, BS in Fire Technology, five years as a 911 dispatcher, 7 years on an ambulance, Etc.

The last time I thought about going back I feel like I would have gotten laughed out of the interview because of my age. Now you guys are telling me that it might be possible?
Absolutely not past your prime. Have another friend, 41 who was in construction. He saw me make it happen and it jump started something in him. He’s in an academy right now as well.
 

Kfabe

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Where ? I’m in riverside, CA. Doesn’t seem so easy.
5C589E19-86DF-40BB-9353-FE88052EBED5.jpeg

The application process just closed here. It will open again at some point with the same requirements. It definitely can be done. We currently have a rookie that is 41 years old. The number of applicants isn’t what it used to be. If you want to know the rough numbers of applicants pm me. It will blow your mind.
 

PRIMO

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This thread literally has me scratching my head. At 40, I thought that I was long past any remote chance of going back to being a Firefighter/Emt.

FFI/FFII, all the wildland certs, BS in Fire Technology, five years as a 911 dispatcher, 7 years on an ambulance, Etc.

The last time I thought about going back I feel like I would have gotten laughed out of the interview because of my age. Now you guys are telling me that it might be possible?
Go For it !

Your Academy will get rid of the Milk Toast,
Can you run 5 miles a day / 100 pushups / 100 sit ups (three times a day) and then full turnouts with SCBA at the Chin-up Bar . You will do this for six months straight !

You have 50 Fire Departments in the Tri State Area
Apply for everyone of them / The department will pick you , you don’t pick the department !

Ps. Start Eating Nails
 

QC22

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Not being a PM definitely slowed my son down. He was number 1 in his class at the Pre-Academy at Chino Valley (what do you guys call that?). Tested super high at LA City, LA County. Made Captains interview twice at Ontario, Henderson and a couple others. Ended up 13th out of 12 at Anaheim with highest test numbers etc. Ended up number 1 in his Anaheim Academy and highest scoring recruit at year end. The point being, he almost didn't make it in at all due to no PM.
 

gqchris

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I believe he’s still around.
The names familiar and believe he went on to work Riverside County and then now is in San Diego as a FF1.
Know any Polish Medics? Jan?
Thats awesome. Jan sounds familiar. It was so long ago, I remember Bob who was also in Casino the movie for a brief few seconds. And worked along Sgt Randy Sutton in Vegas also who is now slightly famous! LOL. Awesome guy by the way..

91V8hB2479L.jpg
 

havasujeeper

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Unless you are a minority, gay, lesbian or transgender, don't waste your time. No whities allowed anymore.
 

mjc

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My best friends son will be starting Air Force Fire Fighter school in 2 weeks right after basic. It is one of the hardest thing to get in the AF. He should be able to go most any place after he gets out.
 

QC22

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My best friends son will be starting Air Force Fire Fighter school in 2 weeks right after basic. It is one of the hardest thing to get in the AF. He should be able to go most any place after he gets out.
I have a nephew who was an Army Firefighter. He's now on LHC fire. Has been for 15+ years.
 

carrera202

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Where ? I’m in riverside, CA. Doesn’t seem so easy.
A lot of good info in the thread. I think it was mentioned before, but changing your career is not impossible. I work for what some will consider the bottom of the barrel of fire departments (Cal Fire). For an entry level fire fighter I all you have to be is 18, breathing with a diploma. Seasonal FF's work 3-9 months depending when, and what part of the state you're working. IMO that would be a good start along with the forest service. Being an EMT will help, but not necessary. If thats what you're interested in, or you can go the other route and apply and test for a municipal department which require what has already been mentioned EMT, PM, CPAT or bittle. Working for the bear isn't all that bad, seasonal FF's can make a decent amount of coin. Flip side to that they can be away from home a lot. You're not gonna get rich, but I live very comfortably. I don't have the newest eliminator, F250, or live in a huge house. I'm humble, able to provide for my family, happy with what I have and can retire in 5 years. In the end it's all in what you want to do, and how much work you want to put in. Good luck in whatever you choose
 
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28Eliminator

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My son just made Anaheim Fire without Paramedic. Rare, and definitely slowed him down. He has finished their academy, and made it through the first year. July 1 was first day as "full" Firefighter. He was 13th out of 12 accepted, he was added when one fell out after backgrounds. Finished first in his group of recruits. He's 33 and we thought he was getting close to too late. I can probably get you in touch with him as well. They all try and help out each other.
Rare but doable. My 35 year old son just got on with Arcadia FD and he’s not a paramedic. He’s been working his ass off for years though. Been with Cal Fire for the last 3 or 4 years
 

X Hoser

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Explain where ?????
I’m talking about San Bernardino County in So Cal. Every department I know of is hiring. Same with Riverside County. Of course, different departments have different qualifications, some medic and some not. Many departments are now ALA’s with State Fire Training and can train and offer FF1 & 2 Certifications without a formal College Academy. LA City, San Bernardino County and Cal Fire are a couple who are qualified to do this. Many departments are 2.7 at 57 for retirement so being a little older isn’t a bad thing. Actually, with a clean background and real life experience it can help land a job.
 

Spectra18

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I’m talking about San Bernardino County in So Cal. Every department I know of is hiring. Same with Riverside County. Of course, different departments have different qualifications, some medic and some not. Many departments are now ALA’s with State Fire Training and can train and offer FF1 & 2 Certifications without a formal College Academy. LA City, San Bernardino County and Cal Fire are a couple who are qualified to do this. Many departments are 2.7 at 57 for retirement so being a little older isn’t a bad thing. Actually, with a clean background and real life experience it can help land a job.
I’ll look into SB. One of the guys here offered a ride along. Hope I can go Monday if they’re willing.
 

spectra75

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I’ll look into SB. One of the guys here offered a ride along. Hope I can go Monday if they’re willing.
Back in 1981 I tried to apply to LACo FD. They told me they were not looking for white guys. I’m glad they turned me down. I ended up much better
 
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DLow

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Back in 1981 I tried to apply to LACo FD. They told me they were not looking for white guys. I’m glad they turned me down. I ended up much better
That’s affirmative.
 

Spectra18

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Thanks for all the help gang. Scottchbrite took me out with his crew at 222 gave me an idea of how things work. Gave me a awesome push.

- glad RDPers help one another out. Cheers.
 

Ultra912

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My son went to VVC Community College, took fire science and got his EMT, was accepted to the fire academy, worked for AMR. Was one of 4 accepted as an intern for Victorville Fire out of an Academy with about 40 people out of 60 that made it to the graduation. Then Running Springs paid call, then CalFire Riverside County (No County Fire in Riverside County) while getting his medic and is now applying around. He actually likes CalFire though because he's not stationed out in the boonies. He's stationed at the San Jacinto station which is the busiest station in Riverside County. He's only 23 YO. The VVC academy is one of, if not the best in CA
 

JayBreww

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My son went to VVC Community College, took fire science and got his EMT, was accepted to the fire academy, worked for AMR. Was one of 4 accepted as an intern for Victorville Fire out of an Academy with about 40 people out of 60 that made it to the graduation. Then Running Springs paid call, then CalFire Riverside County (No County Fire in Riverside County) while getting his medic and is now applying around. He actually likes CalFire though because he's not stationed out in the boonies. He's stationed at the San Jacinto station which is the busiest station in Riverside County. He's only 23 YO. The VVC academy is one of, if not the best in CA
I was assigned to Running Springs with CalFire. Who’s your son? Will? Cody?
 

Mike K

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With respect … IMHO you might find yourself behind family and friends.
 

JayBreww

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CalFire just opened up Firefighter 2 fyi. You can find the link on Caljobs. It’s an entry level position so you can apply to take the written test, then update your Certs as you collect them.
 

4Waters

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CalFire just opened up Firefighter 2 fyi. You can find the link on Caljobs. It’s an entry level position so you can apply to take the written test, then update your Certs as you collect them.
This is the route I should have gone
 

TEBBY

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I’ve been doing it for almost 3 decades now. Almost done… My advice to you is, don’t do it.
You can make more money being the manager of Discount Tire in Havasu, or being a manager at a Trader Joe’s and lay your head down on your own pillow in your own house every night.
The time away from home, missing important birthdays/ holidays, going on OD homeless bum calls all night, being forced to work multiple days in a row because of hiring freezes, and getting a fraction of pension by starting at 40 years old aren’t worth it. The job is not the same as it used to be…
 

dryhoze1

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I’ve been doing it for almost 3 decades now. Almost done… My advice to you is, don’t do it.
You can make more money being the manager of Discount Tire in Havasu, or being a manager at a Trader Joe’s and lay your head down on your own pillow in your own house every night.
The time away from home, missing important birthdays/ holidays, going on OD homeless bum calls all night, being forced to work multiple days in a row because of hiring freezes, and getting a fraction of pension by starting at 40 years old aren’t worth it. The job is not the same as it used to be…

I’d love to say this is BS.. But unfortunately I agree with 90% of this. It’s not the job it was in the last 20 years, but it is still an awesome job.
‘Depending where you work has tons to do with it..
Good luck 👍🏼
 

X Hoser

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I’ve been doing it for almost 3 decades now. Almost done… My advice to you is, don’t do it.
You can make more money being the manager of Discount Tire in Havasu, or being a manager at a Trader Joe’s and lay your head down on your own pillow in your own house every night.
The time away from home, missing important birthdays/ holidays, going on OD homeless bum calls all night, being forced to work multiple days in a row because of hiring freezes, and getting a fraction of pension by starting at 40 years old aren’t worth it. The job is not the same as it used to be…
Hiring freeze? Where are you talking about? No hiring freeze I know of in California. Most departments can’t hire fast enough, especially Paramedics. I do agree the fire service isn’t what it use to be but the departments I am familiar with pay way more that a Discount Tire or Trader Joe’s manager. What kind of retirement do you think they get? I bet not 2.7 at 57, but I could be wrong as I have never looked into it. Maybe out of the state of California is where this applies? Laying your head down on your pillow at home is a sacrifice for sure.
 

scottchbrite

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I’ve been doing it for almost 3 decades now. Almost done… My advice to you is, don’t do it.
You can make more money being the manager of Discount Tire in Havasu, or being a manager at a Trader Joe’s and lay your head down on your own pillow in your own house every night.
The time away from home, missing important birthdays/ holidays, going on OD homeless bum calls all night, being forced to work multiple days in a row because of hiring freezes, and getting a fraction of pension by starting at 40 years old aren’t worth it. The job is not the same as it used to be…
Sounds like your going through a burnout phase maybe? Tell me what profession is the same after 30 years? I was one of the kinds of guys that left several decent paying professions to eventually become a fireman. I still remember what it’s like slinging wrenches in a dealership, fighting over customer pay work and warranty work. I (fondly) still remember racing funny cars on the east coast with some great dudes. I’ve worked as a welder/fabricator building concrete plants. I went back to wrenching but on heavy equipment, which led me to become a fire apparatus mechanic. I parlayed that into a FF/PM position in my 30’s. I think ALOT of guys forget that this is a JOB. It’s not perfect but I can remember how shitty the other JOBs were that I had. When Im running my 4th bullshit call after midnight (like last night) in San Bernardino, on some asshole transient, I reflect back to how much more I disliked what I used to do. I definitely don’t mind trading sleeping in my own bed 18ish days a month, in order to have the days off like I do. I actually see more of my kids than my dad ever saw of us working 5-6 days a week. I for sure make more money than the jobs I had previously, and much better benefits. Perspective.
 

Ultra912

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C3E81D4A-36D7-40B0-9465-F4C7E7F0A17C.jpeg
I also am in my son. He’s on the Oak fire as I post
 

MissB

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My 20 year old son has been putting in the work since he was in high school, did Fire Explorers, did the academy, was a reserve, now an EMT, working through the hours, will do medics probably 2024 due to when he can apply, then he'll be hirable for a full time position. The process takes a long time. I also work for a department that requires you be a medic. NOT impossible, as not all departments require a medics. You just have to have good physical ability, and a medics The thing about your age is the pension, it's not as good, but still pretty good, if that makes sense. There are departments that run bs calls on homeless and OD all day long, or you could find yourself in a department like the one I work with and get no calls. Gotta find the department that fits your culture. Best of luck!
 

MissB

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Those calls are just the fillers between the fires 😉
yep! My son is really enjoying working with a department that runs calls like this... he's able to use and grow his medic skills and sharpen his sarcasm.. LOL 🤣
 
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