r/Firefighting • u/Hero-Firefighter-24 • 26d ago
Ask A Firefighter At what age did you start firefighting?
Asking because it’s a late career choice for some, while others do it right after college or even high school.
39
u/longjeep2005 Old man lifter 26d ago
- I was never one of the guys that wanted to be a FF since they were a kid. I got my degree, worked in sales, but eventually found my way to this job. Glad it happened.
15
u/Shenanigans64 26d ago
Same, started career at 27. Had zero interest in the fire service until my mid 20s while working a dead end job. Couldn’t imagine doing anything else now
7
u/ShotDeal9 26d ago
Same except I’m 31. Seven years in sales. EMT now with my first fire interview next week!
6
u/Mastee2703 26d ago
I’m in the same exact boat almost. 27m 7 years management at UPS with my interview this week on Thursday.
1
1
u/brandong1394 25d ago
Same!! I’m 30. Finishing up my EMT class this month. Always wanted to be a firefighter since I was 20. Didn’t have the confidence in myself. Now I do. Never too late. Kudos.
29
u/R0cksrfun 26d ago
Going into it at 30!
6
u/Pristine_Art_9948 26d ago
are you excited for it ?? i want to do it. but im scared to fail in all honesty.
6
u/R0cksrfun 26d ago
I’m fricken stoked. Don’t be scared. We all will fail from time to time. My cousin is 14 years in this and a medic for over 20 and he still fails. Just embrace it!
3
u/Pristine_Art_9948 26d ago
have you done the schooling part? i’m not sure where you are from
5
u/R0cksrfun 26d ago
I am two days away from graduating EMT school and I am registered for paramedic starting at the end of the month. Started to apply for departments and had a sponsorship interview for medic school which I find out if I get next week! I have done academy already and that was a blast. Just the last and hardest leg to go! Medic 😭🔥💪🏼
3
u/ArmchairQB69 25d ago
I started to pursue a career in firefighting at the age of 33. I was a tradesman and wanted a better lifestyle for myself and my family. It was a big jump especially with a young family and a lot of people relying on me. The thought did cross my mind “what if I don’t make it” as it’s a reality for a lot of people but I shook that off and thought I might as well try, at least I gave it my all and I wouldn’t look back in 20 years in regret, wishing I got after it. I put in the work and made it one of the bigger priorities in my life. Just under two years of putting in the work I had offers from two cities in the same week. Just got off probation and life is good. One of the best choices of my life! You won’t regret it
1
24d ago
That’s really motivating to hear man, I’m currently debating in my head if I should leave law enforcement to get pursue a career in firefighting. I’m 25 I have a family that depends on my and scared to fail at it all and leave my family in a tough spot financially. Just gotta do it
2
u/FloodedHoseBed career firefighter 26d ago
Is it worse to try and fail or go your whole wondering what if?
1
u/SayingIseenisobscene 23d ago
Dude same! I only have a few days left to register for the test (again🙄). I’m nervous as hell. I’m 35 & female 😬. Idk why I’m so scared
18
u/Horseface4190 26d ago
- A guy in my academy class was 20, and the oldest was 42.
Another guy at my department was 50-something.
Never too early, or late, apparently!
2
u/bluepika5 20d ago
How long did it take to get a job? I’m 31, getting my EMT and was recently accepted to a volunteer department with the goal of getting a paid fire job. Some firefighters I spoke to told me it took them 3 years to get a job so I’m getting intimidated (I’m in Colorado)
1
u/Horseface4190 20d ago
It took me 9 years. But, I know a guy who got job offers from the first three departments he tested for. An old timer once told me "the only guys who don't get hired are the ones who quit testing"
19
u/08152016 Volunteer Line Officer | Rescue/HAZMAT Medic 26d ago
EMS cadet at 14, fire cadet at 16. Went directly into a career EMS job and a volunteer fire spot at 18.
1
9
u/shyshyflyguy 26d ago
I was 20. However, my dad started around 48-49. I know a guy who got started around 60. Not as career, mind you, but as a volly. My dad is doing it at various departments part time, though. I do know a guy who is doing it career at 48.
5
u/ChasingPlotlines 26d ago
Volly is a volunteer, yes?
2
1
u/shyshyflyguy 26d ago
Yep. Volly or vollie. Now, I’m not sure if that applies to part time stations that have vollies. Combination stations can be lumped into that category as well. Sometimes. It’s weird.
7
u/oldlaxer 26d ago
- I had gotten out of the military and missed the camaraderie. I worked another job for a year and a half before I got hired. I was a shipboard firefighter and a first responder on the ship. Some of the skills I learned translated over but most did not. Retired as a Captain at 53.
5
u/ppbkwrtr-jhn Volunteer FF (NY) 26d ago
I volunteered at 40, lasted 9 years. Going back in at 55. It feels crazy to do this for free, but there's such satisfaction and safety knowing that you're part of this group that helps people in your town. When we have an emergency at home, knowing that my friends are on their way makes all the difference.
5
6
4
u/bigfootdaddyo FFII / EMT 26d ago
- I started as a volunteer after a wildfire swept through my property and the local volunteer department saved my home. I felt it was the only way to repay their service. Fell in love with it.
I still volunteer with them but am now a career firefighter and still can't believe I get paid to do this job.
1
u/bluepika5 20d ago
How long did it take you to get a career job after volunteering? I’m 31 and just starting with a volunteer department in the next month
1
u/bigfootdaddyo FFII / EMT 19d ago
Not long. I did volunteering for about 6 months then decided to go career. I work at a pretty small department in New Mexico so it was fairly easy to get the job.
2
u/thatdudewayoverthere 26d ago
As a youth firefighter I think around 11/12 and as a job around 22 but I know guys that started at like 30 - 35
3
u/ChasingPlotlines 26d ago
Can I ask, what did you do as a youth firefighter? That seems very young, but I'm not sure what it entails.
2
u/thatdudewayoverthere 26d ago
Volunteer fire departments typically have a Junior department (with the end goal of them becoming normal members when they are older)
Depending on the age it's different obviously It starts with basic things like these are knots you learn how to work with hoses etc.
The older you get the more you get into the technical site so entry techniques, Hydraulic rescue tools etc but also basic fitness training
All so that when you are 18 you are a qualified Firefighter and can go on calls (Excluding special training like Engineer or SCBA)
Additionally there are different competitions and youth certifications you do
Of course there are also different events: summer camps/vacation in different cities or supporting the normal FDs with their community events
1
u/FieryPheonix474 Aussie volunteer 26d ago
I'm not sure what it's like for them, But i went through the program in Australia Pretty much our volunteer firefighters Run what known as the junior program, Youth aged between 11 and 16 learn about a career in firefighting and familiarise themselves with gear and house operations and stuff like that, And they also help out with community events such as our Santa run, Fundraising and open days
1
u/ChasingPlotlines 26d ago
That's sweet and sounds like a fun way to engage with the community. Thank you for sharing.
2
2
u/Fireman-1776 26d ago
I’ve been a junior fireman for 2.5 years. I signed up the morning I turned 15 bc my father is my chief.
2
u/domc0nte 26d ago
I joined a volly house at 34, over a three year span I took FF1/2, Instructor, pump ops and EMT (took a little longer) became a lieutenant and captain. Now at age 37 I’m in to my second month career, same department.
2
u/pheelgood 26d ago
Started wildland firefighting with the Forest Service at 27. I’m now 30, working for my county department as a wildland firefighter but finished EMT school recently and about to start academy. So should be full-time municipal by 31/32. It’s definitely a little intimidating getting started at this age, but I feel young at heart and full of life experiences and maturity that help me.
2
3
3
1
u/Sean_Dubh FF/EMT-B 26d ago
Started as a volley at 18, moved a couple times and life happened, resumed as a call ff at 24, went full time as an FF/EMT at 32.
1
1
u/Serious_Cobbler9693 Retired FireFighter/Driver 26d ago
Officially, was a volley at 17 and took FF1/2 and EMT but grew up in the firehouse and was helping my dad with truck maintenance around 10. Went to paid at 21 which was the youngest the departments in the area would hire at the time.
1
u/MaraSovsBigToe 26d ago
Tail end of 22. Started with my first department this past December and turned 23 in January. Learning a lot and I love what I do. Set to finish my probation at the end of this year!
1
u/Quinnjamin19 Paid on call/High angle rescue 26d ago
Started at 18, as soon as I could legally apply/join
1
u/ssaint04 Vol FF/AEMT 26d ago
14 as an Explorer. Became full department member at 18. Moved to a new state at 25. Didn’t join a department in the new state til I was 40. Had to go to rookie school all over again.
1
1
1
u/Regayov 26d ago
I joined the nearby VFD as soon as I moved to town and got settled, probably mid-20’s. My father was a FF for as long as I can remember so I grew up in the firehouse. In fact one of my treasured photos is of him coming out of a house fire at age 72. I’ve only been doing it 23 years so I have a while before I catch up to him.
1
1
1
1
1
u/Emtbob Master Firefighter/Paramedic 26d ago
Started volunteering at 25, hired at 33. Guy in my hiring class was taking social security in the academy, but he sucked and didn't finish probation (dude was somehow a career Lieutenant in another department and left???). Couple mid/late 40's in my class were retired military.
1
1
1
u/Tomuch_hairdye 26d ago
Been doing youth classes and stuff since 16 (cadet program with fire department, summer stuff with college), doing my EMT this year at 17
1
u/TheAlmightyTOzz 26d ago
15 1/2 as a Jr volunteer in a small town. Most of the members worked out of town during the daytime hours except for a lady in nursing night school and myself; who was in high school of course. I had full permission from the principal to respond to any calls that beeped-AND I didn’t once abuse that privilege, no lie. A 16 year old with a beeper lol. Anyways, took a night course EMT-B during SR. Year, smashed that NR like it owed me money and went full time at the age 19. Then began my journey to break all those dangerous bad habits and relearn SOPs
1
u/driftingfir 26d ago
Started as a volunteer at 19. Few months after that I got hired full time. 25 now and still at it
1
u/Dusty_V2 Career + Paid-on-call 26d ago
- My grandpa was a fire chief and I knew I wanted to at least volunteer. I tried when younger but my local department didn't bite when they found out I was planning on enlisting in 2 years or less.
Got out of the army. Joined my local department paid on call immediately. Got the full time gig about 2.5 years later.
1
u/StopDropDepreciate Civilian Slave & Overpaid Janitor 26d ago
- Didn’t look into this career til after I finished my BA and the plan was law school. Started EMT shortly after I graduated college. Got my paramedics then fire.
1
u/Weary_Nectarine5117 26d ago
Joined as a junior at 16 on a volunteer department. Got hired full time at 20 on a large metro department and gonna retire in 2 years with 30 years on current department.
1
1
u/SuperglotticMan 26d ago
27 after being in the Marines. Big city fire medic, I’d rate it a 3/5 stars. A lot of difficult personalities to deal with.
1
u/BlueMnMz 26d ago
Any advice from someone who has been in fire for 8 years and is thinking about a transition into military?
1
u/SuperglotticMan 25d ago
Like firefighting, the military is just a job. My button up says “Firefighter” on one side and my last name on the other. It used to say “U.S Marine” on one side and my last name on the other. Either way, never forget that your last name is more important always. This includes taking care of yourself, friends, and family and don’t sacrifice those things for your career.
Otherwise, get into good cardio shape with decent muscular endurance. Whatever branch you want to join id look up that fitness test and try to get within 30 points of a perfect score. Be patient if the recruiter doesn’t have the job you want right now. I did 5 years of a job I didn’t want and while I made the best of it I wish I had done something cooler. If you have any more specific questions I can answer them for you.
1
u/Accomplished-Suit595 26d ago
Started at 16 as an explorer and then full time at 18. I’m now 41.
There was a 50 something year old that went through an academy at a department I used to work at.
1
u/RobinT211 23d ago
Did the 50 year old have a lifetime of fitness prior to that?
1
u/Accomplished-Suit595 23d ago edited 23d ago
No he was horrible. Think more of publicity. That department had a bad habit of pencil whipping and also the chief was a shit bag that would threaten to get rid of you if you didn’t use his playbook. Best thing I did was get out of there.
Not a total fair assessment. He did concrete work before so he was strong, just lazy because he had an almost guarantee from the chief
1
u/Intelligent-Cream-83 26d ago
37.....FDNY academy. 16 years in the military and switched to the Guard
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/osprey413 FF/DO/EMT-B 26d ago
31... Oldest on my department went through the academy at 68, after he was forced to retire as a commercial pilot.
1
1
u/UnderdoneEgg 26d ago
35 and only because the local captain knew me and handed me an application saying turn this in I think you’d be good at it. Did 20 and retired 6 months ago.
1
1
u/NumerousCabinet667 26d ago
25, had no background whatsoever in the field , not with tools or anything, currently 2 years in and learning as much as i can and falling in love more and more everyday, best decision i could have made
1
u/Holiday_Control2757 26d ago
I started at 16 as a junior Firefighter at my local combination fire dept. Been there about a year, 17 now with my EMT, starting Fire academy and going on to duty staff once 18
1
u/ShaggysStuntDouble 26d ago
Cadet at 13, hired on as a part timer two days shy of 18 and had my FF1/2 alongside EMT by 19, full time by 21, paramedic by 23
1
1
u/ArmedFirefighter Career/Volunteer 26d ago
Started Volunteering at 16, hired on a career department at 18, and still volunteer on my off days to this day.
1
u/Shoyobro 26d ago
Went to the academy at 31, got hired at 35. It was 8 months before I turned 36 which would have had me ineligible for our city department.
1
u/Interesting_Bag_2381 26d ago
Started at 16 for ff and I'm 17 now going to get my EMT. My dad joined with me at 46
1
u/Remote_Individual161 Deputy Public Relations and Documentation Clerk| VFD Austria, EU 26d ago
Started at 12yo in the youth fire department
1
1
u/Careful_Reason_9992 26d ago
Paid on call at 18 right out of high school. Took a few to get hired (I was bad at the oral boards). Hired at 26 by a combination department, spent 5 years there before getting hired at a career department near my hometown.
1
u/Pleasant-Animal-23 26d ago
I started Volunteer Fire as 10yo. I'm from Germany so system is bit different but I joined basically on my 10th bd. With 16 I started my first fire training to be able to respond to calls and in two weeks I start my Training in a career dept as a 17yo.
1
1
u/Kingy_79 26d ago
I started at 16 as a volunteer. Just about to clock over 30 years since my first call out (Sept 20).
1
u/Available_Bass7126 25d ago
24 as paid-on-call. currently 26 and wanting to go career soon. wish I would have started even earlier
1
u/Ok-Consequence-8498 25d ago
I’m a 28 year old engineer strongly considering applying when my city’s applications open this fall. I’m a little concerned about the trauma, I feel I won’t really know how I respond to that until I experience it. I have a very close friend who is a firefighter and he’s been a great resource.
1
1
u/Igloo_dude Career FF/EMT-B 25d ago
Started as a Jr at my local volly house at 15. Went career at 19. Oh how I miss the days of doing volly shit with no repercussions lol
1
1
1
1
u/JRH_TX OG 25d ago
15 -- Just a few weeks before my 16th birthday, as an Explorer Scout. In the mid 1970's the area departments transitioned from sponsoring "junior" firefighter programs to sponsoring Explorer scout posts -- for insurance and liability reasons. Some of the PD's did the same. There were about a dozen of us in the post ages ranging from 16-18. The department was a combination of paid and volunteer. Explorer scouts were prohibited from interior attack (most of the time) but supported most exterior fireground operations (aka cleanup). By 18 I could reload any type of hoselay. :)
We were encouraged to participate in all training events. Hence when I became 18 and could apply to the department as an adult, by all accounts we were probies as we were allowed to apply to the department at 18. I had acquired my basic FF cert at the same time. 6 months later I signed up for EMT class just as I was graduating from high school. At 19 I signed on as a paid member for a few years before going off to college. Saying it was good for me is a massive understatement. The cadre of firefighters, both paid and volunteer that watched over us, coached us, trained us, and kicked us in the ass shaped my entire life.
Today, I am still friends with a couple of the other Explorers and one of the PD Explorers from nearby.
1
u/Theerall 25d ago
17 - just learning from the guys at the station, getting familiar with the equipment, attending trainings, and immediately going into service the day I turned 18.
1
1
u/Agony_Fox 24d ago
32 and tbh i wish I would've done it sooner. I love being a FF im still new at it though (just graduated in April) I love learning new things but im REALLY big into just doing my job and going home. I dont get into station politics or drama which sometimes I feel I get looked at differently from most firefighters in my department because I dont care to find out EVERY SINGLE policy. Just let me put out fires, run my medicals, and sleep all night and I'll be happy
1
1
u/Alarming_Ad1652 24d ago
I'm on the waitlist for my city's academy, I just turned 30. It's so comforting to see people answering my age or older, I'm a very new EMT and struggle with feeling behind. It's nice to know people start their careers in EMS/Fire at many different ages 🙏
1
u/AccountantOld8034 24d ago
Explorer at 16, seasonal at 20, full-time firefighter medic at 21, destination major metro dept by 23
1
u/NotSayin_ButImSayin 24d ago
Wildland at 36, structure at mid-size So Cal dept at 39. If you’re fit and know how to be an adult, it’s not too late.
1
u/Annual_Finance4908 23d ago
I’m 26 and just got hired. I went to emt school in 2021, failed, took the class again and passed. Got a job in the ER to fluff my resume up for departments (I also have a fire suppression and technology degree). The ER ended up paying for my advanced emt class. After passing that, I ended up moving across the country to be closer to my fiances family. Once I moved to Tennessee from the west coast in 2024, I tried to get in for a year and a half and finally got hired this last month. It’s worth it, but it’s a grind. Everyone has a different route to get in this field. I had wanted to be a fireman since I was little due to my grand father being in the service. I’m gonna be one of the youngest guys in my class besides one other guys that is 21. All the other guys are in their early 30s and one guys 42. All ages can do it!
1
u/Upbeat_Bandicoot_986 23d ago
25 in SWFL. 2 years left to retirement. My 18 year old son is now in the academy.
1
u/RobinT211 23d ago
Im 48 and a fire 1….volunteer. Career academy sounds intimidating at my age. But I know someone who did it at 52
1
u/EthanCox21 23d ago
Currently in the academy and I’m 34. Oldest guy is 49 but he’s also been a paramedic for 20 years.
1
22d ago
I worked as an EMT since 2013 when i was 19y/o, got hired and went to academy at 25, and recently got my firefighter Paramedic upgrade last year. Im 32 now, loving life. I have a few colleagues who got their first fire job late 30s early 40s. I just wish that I would have made the upgrade from EMT to Paramedic a bit earlier.
1
u/Firefighter9199 22d ago
I originally started in the Airport Fire Service when I was 20. Then I worked in the control room for a bit before joining my local Career Department 💪🚒
1
1
u/AlarmingBill4558 20d ago
i started at 16 in 1978, stayed until last year. I had a heart attack so decided it was time to go. It was a great run.
54
u/0ckey 26d ago
Started FF at 40 when I moved to a small town and whanted to get to know my town, make some friends and do something usefull after renovating my home for over three years 😅.