r/Firefighting • u/Hero-Firefighter-24 • 27d 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.

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u/thatdudewayoverthere 27d 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

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u/ChasingPlotlines 27d ago

Can I ask, what did you do as a youth firefighter? That seems very young, but I'm not sure what it entails.

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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