Interested in becoming a Fire Fighter/Medic in N.E. Florida

[Will352]

Hello,

I have found a ton of good info reading this forum and I would like to ask a couple of questions/get advice if you don't mind.

A little about me. I'm a military medic (NREMT-P) and I plan on taking the state Paramedic exam within the next year or so. I'm not a Fire Figher. I have already looked into the different Florida Fire academys and have a pretty good idea what to expect. I retire from the military in a few years and I would like to get in a FD somewhere around the Jacksonville area (I am a Florida resident). I will be 41 years old when I get out of the service, but I am physically fit/acitve and I have been blessed by not receiving any injuries during my service. I have BA in business administration and I plan on finishing on a Masters in Disaster Management before I get out (hoping that this would make me more marketable). I'm more suited to working with my hands/with a team than I am working behind a desk. Lastly, I have a clean driving record.

This is where I would like some advice.

I know there isn't an official age cap, but does being 41 (even though a healthy 41) limit my chances of getting hired? I control my own retirement plan so this wouldn't be an issue to me.

If anyone know's a bit a about the Jacksonville FD I would like to pick your brain. Which academys they hire most out of (FCCJ?) or will any academy do? Is it a difficult service to get on? I have found out a bit by looking on line, but I would like actual opinions, if you would let me have them.

I know having my medic is a good advantage. How long does one take to start being worked as a FF/Medic. I know most fire Depts will have guys working as FF/EMT's for the first year or so...how long is the so? Or does it vary by department? I have no problems either way, just wondering.

Any insite is helpful. Thanks for reading.

Will

[ctrlaltdelete]

Will,

Sorry that I can't answer your questions, but I wanted to say thank you for your service to this country.

One thing that I have heard some departments will hire non cert FF and send them to the academy on their dime. I would call or stop by Jacksonville FD to see if they do this or check their web site.

I'm sure if you pass the Paramedic exam you will not have many problems getting on a department. I have heard from this forum that hiring is some what on a freeze, but things will pick up. Plus with your background you have a HUGE advantage over most.

Again sorry for not answering your questions, but hopefully I was some what of a help.

[pciddy]

Orange County (Orlando) is in need of medics they are hiring medics only but you must get firefighter with in 3 years. you should consider it i dont know of any age cap i know we had a 39 y/o in my class

[rpferry]

Orange County (Orlando) is in need of medics they are hiring medics only but you must get firefighter with in 3 years. you should consider it i dont know of any age cap i know we had a 39 y/o in my class

Just to clarify, Orlando is not hiring non-certified firefighetrs. Only Orange County, where Orlando is located, is talking about this program.
-Rob

[crashfireresq]

Hey I was just wondering if you have heard about the city hiring anymore firefighters this year off the list that they hired off of already?

[B1255Rose]

Do you know if Orange County is hiring EMT/Firefighters? I passed the written, behavioral, and physical test but I continue to hear from everyone that they are only hiring Medics and haven't heard from anyone to schedule an interview.

Thanks for the info.

[beamclamp]

It doesn’t seem you're getting any real answers here. I'll try to shed some light. I lived in jax and decided to do the same. I'm not ex-military, but I was a little older than most. 28 when I decided to geo to school. I'm 31 now and have been working at a department south of St. Augustine for 2 years.
First of all, you will be able to use vet points toward a department. I don’t know much about them, you'll learn. FCCJ is the school for JFRD, but it’s not the only one they hire out of. Doesn't mean you'll get hired for sure and it could take a while. I know a few who have been hired on there. Longest I've heard is 6 years. Not saying that age is really a factor but you'll be 47 if it takes that long. I don't know. My advice. Go to school. Get a job anywhere you can and go from there. It's easier to get a job if you have one.
Secondly you’re a medic. You probably already know you're a step ahead of many. That will help you anywhere. You have experience doing it too. The age deal can only help you in this aspect. I see many young guys get ff/medic and all they really have is paper. Not dissing them, just saying.
You have basically 2 choices for school. FCTI in St. Augustine and FCCJ. Both good schools both will get you what you need. Everything else you can find out in school. Don’t worry about age. We have a guy who started when he was 41. You have experience. It’s not like the service, so much, where they specialize in molding young guys into what that want. It’s seems the FD is happy to get people with some life experience and drive.
I hope this helped some. I don’t know much about anything really, but I did go through this process and got a job. I thought I was too old. Good luck. Sounds like you’ll be working in no time.

[Will352]

Just like to say thanks for the advice/replies. Sounds like I should have good shot at getting in the service.

Will

[owenscott]

I dont believe there is any age discrimination allowed in Florida. I remember, more than once, seeing a cop on "COPS" say he moved to Florida to become a cop because there was age discrimination in the North east.

Doesn't mean a 70 year old would be hired over 22 year old but no state law exists to discriminate against you. ** I THINK **

[jamesdfd]

With your DD-214, NREMT-P, and good physical condition I don't think you will have a terrible time finding work. I work with two former military full career guys who were hired 40+.

[ctrlaltdelete]

Will352,

Just a thought but might want to look into maybe volunteer fire, could help get a foot in the door. I believe its night training, which help's if you have a job.

Or maybe this, Jacksonville might have a similar program
http://www.marioncountyfl.org/FireRe...t_academy.aspx

Best of luck