Age limits???

[tomschipper]

I just read a posting about a job somewhere that said only taking applicants from 18-40!!! I am retiring from the AF in two months and will be 41.....is this common to have an age cutoff for firefighters in more cities?? If you know about Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale and AZ...please reply.

Thanks and this is a great message board. I've learned alot in the past two days and it looks like if I want on in AZ it's going to be a long haul.

Also, I read where CA doesn't take DOD certs through IFSAC...is that common throughout the country? Makes me want to pursue a DOD job even more if that's the case...I realize DOD firefighters may not fight fires every day or week even....but we do have great training and have obtained alot of certifications. Just not sure how well they are received by our civilian counterparts out there?????

Thanks

Ship

[fieldseng2]

Age caps are pretty common, although usually younger. Mostplaces with age caps have a max age of 30 or 35.

There are plenty of places with no age caps however. You have to shop around. I Indiana there is some kind of equation that alows people retiring from the military over 35 and still be elgible for firefighter jobs (career firefighters/police officers pension system is governed by the state).

I was told the Phoenix does NOT have an age cap. You may want to check there.


fieldseng2

[chick813]

You may also want to check with the VA, i know in NY you can deduct up to six years from your age for active duty served, and have heard of guys getting on after 20 in the service. When you go to your transition assistence class they should be able to help you out with that, along with some good resources to find a job as a firefighter. By the way congrats on your retirement.

[ffbam24]

Subscribe to a website such as www.firecareers.com and/or www.firerecruit.com. You must pay but they will provide the service of letting you know who is taking applications.

Next, age caps: You will find out through these services the actual requirements. Every department is different (per se). Several departments out west do not have a cap. Cannot say for sure about the majority east of the Mississippi, haven't applied except for one.

Best I can say is do your research on each department. Even though you have certifications, entry level doesn't really require any, but EMT-B is good to start.

Congrats on the retirement. I did my six and out.

Good luck,
bam

[kjohn23]

This guy apparently says we don't need no stinking age limits:
RETIRED MILITARY COLONEL STARTS FULL-TIME

FIREFIGHTING CAREER AT AGE 67



Photo Opportunity/Interviews Available

New-Firefighter Training Drill – VERY VISUAL

Friday, May 6 (2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

Florida State Fire College (11532 NW Gainesville Road)



MARION COUNTY, Fla. (May 2, 2005) – Ed Petersen of The Villages of Marion is addicted to public service, and at age 67, he’s proving that you’re never too old to start a new career. Thirty-five men and women tested for 13 open firefighter positions with Marion County Fire-Rescue (MCFR). Sixteen of those applicants successfully passed each portion of the five-part assessment. Ed earned the second highest score -- enduring the ultimate in physical challenges, acing a written fire exam and wowing the interview panel.



“I get a lot of respect from these guys,” he said. “They don’t really give me a hard time because of my age. Mostly they are amazed. They tell me that their Dad is not even 67.”



At 5’10” tall and 175 pounds, Ed doesn’t consider himself a “hunk.” He’s an “average built guy” whose powerful can-do attitude and dogged determination can transform even the most cynical and hesitant – making anyone a believer.



“Without chest-beating, I believe the world is mine,” he said. “I’m not ready to retire, and I may not ever be ready. My father died with his boots on, and I have the same temperament. Firefighting is my form of community service. Some people enjoy fishing, hunting, golfing. I don’t. I go to work.”



Work he has – non-stop his entire life, exemplifying Abraham Lincoln’s “…It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”



Ed enlisted with his brother Charles in the United States Air Force at age 18 and served for four-years. Once discharged, he graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science. “I did it in four years,” he said. “I had a wife. I had a child. I thought, ‘get moving boy,’ get out of college and get a job.”



He landed a job all right -- re-enlisting in the Air Force in 1964, this time as an Officer, a Second Lieutenant. “Things choose you,” he said. “Events take over. Things just happen. Being in the right place at the right time is crucial to good career management. To say otherwise would be braggadocios. Of course, you have to deliver.”



And deliver he did – serving one-year in Vietnam, earning a Master’s Degree in Logistics, traveling the globe and eventually working his way up to Major and then Colonel.



Since retirement in 1992, Ed has mastered several disciplines -- learning the inner workings of plumbing, masonry, electricity and now fire and EMS. After months of physical training and “pushing a pick-up truck around a parking lot” to build his strength, Ed completed fire standards at Lake County’s Technical Center -- becoming MCFR’s most “seasoned” state certified rookie. “My wife was not too happy with me,” Ed said. “She has slowly warmed to this idea. She says, ‘we’re supposed to be retired; we’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves.’ Everyone has their own form of enjoyment. This is mine. Every work day is like Friday.”



On May 13, Ed will raise his right hand, promising to conduct himself in a professional manner, dedicate his best efforts to saving lives and protecting property and commit himself to performing his job with courage. It’s an oath he will take to heart. Public service is not just what he does. It’s who he is.

###
How's that for inspiration.

[CaptBob]

Is Age a Factor in Getting Hired?

Indiscribable Thanks Captain Bob:

I have arrived at the moment, that before now was only realized in my dreams, that was the day I received “the call” informing me that I had been chosen as one of the fourteen candidates to start the academy for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue!

I am very fit. I work out 5 days a week and have for years. I have my EMT-Intermediate Certification and a burning desire to become a firefighter since I was 10 years old. Some times life seems to get in the way of our dreams and plans, but I have learned only if you let it! Three years ago I decided to go for my dream career, I had done everything I knew I could do to physically be ready for this demanding job, but I was oblivious to the testing and hiring process. That is when I came across your web site, Captain Bob your materials were invaluable in helping me obtain my badge. I followed your advise to the letter throughout the process from testing to oral interviews and the psych. Your insight is right on the mark!

Rob helped me with private coaching, and low and behold I am poised to start my dream career! Thank you is not enough to express my heart felt gratitude for your help in getting me to this place in life. I look forward to meeting you in person some day to say “thanks”. Ted R. Las Vegas Nevada

Ted was number 3 on the list, an EMT and FORTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD! He also scored higher than his Son on the same list and got the job. Bravo!

You can find more on testing secrets in the Career Article section from the Jobs drop down menu just above this posting.

"Nothing counts 'til you have the badge . . . Nothing!"

Fire "Captain Bob" Author,
Becoming A Firefighter,
Conquer Fire Department Oral Boards, and
It’s Your Turn in the Hot Seat!

www.eatstress.com

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