Hey guys... what's up???

[Proby1711]

Hey there... so, this is the proby house, huh?

*looks around*

Not bad.. not bad at all... :D

Let me introduce myself... my name is Anita, from Scotland in the UK... & I wanted to ask something, to all of you guys, but especially the UK members...

When are you 'too old' to join the fire service?

I am nearly 32 & female & still interested in joining up... is this considered 'too old'...?

All feedback will be appreciated. :)

Cheers... Anita xxx

[ptfd19]

from a recently released probie to a new probie.... Welcome.

as far as age, on this side of the pond, it depends on what the department requires. i just joined in 2004 at the ripe young age of 42. i also joined a second department this year. neither of them had a second thought about my age, as long as i could get the job done. there are a few departments in this area that won't even let me take the test because of the age regardless of my ability to do the job.

[thomas15]

Of course I'm in the USA, but I started at age 46

[Proby1711]

Thanks for your reply, ptfd19... I thought I was in a 'ghost-thread' there for a sec.. :D

I have a nasty feeling that my back won't take the pressure (waiting on an x-ray appointment) so it might just have to be the dispatch office for me. :)

But all positions need filling, right? :)

Anita xxx

[Proby1711]

Thanks to you too, Tom... ;)

[doughesson]

I was 37,looking down the barrels of 38 when I signed on and started training.Two and a half years later,I get ribbed by the kids in their 20s,and knowing that my Captain is standing behind me stifles my usual retort about age and treachery overcoming youth and skill,I just outperform the younguns when we have a call.
You're 32 and female.So what?Can you pass the physical?Do you want this now?
Being able to do the job and wanting to learn it are what matters to me.

[Proby1711]

Well, the long & the short of it is that the x-rays showed I massively strained the ligaments around my back & spinal area... I am having intensive physio once a week at the moment... the doc has advised me strongly not to even try out for the service, so my dream is shot... :(

I am going to ask about a possible position in the brigade call centre in the New Year, so wish me luck. :)

Thanks for all your replies. :)

[pilot76knob]

I'm in love with firefighting its my life...I'm New to the forums but my dad and his dad before him were both officers in the local dept. so i guess its in my blood? But anyway my dad is still in and he's only 42 and i'm 14 and already a junior/explorer and can't wait to get my full rights...but i'm gonna be fighting fire till the day i die...