Very interesting

[Firematthias]

Hi guys,

greetings from Germany. I have read some threads here and and it's cool to see other FF's from the world.

It was nice to read that teens can be members of a FD. I joined my FD at the age of 10.

How old you have to be, if yo want to join a FD in the USA?

cu Matt

[zzyyzx]

Welcome, Matt! Most areas require that in order to be a full time career member of a department you must be 18 or 21 years old. Some areas have explorer programs run through the Boy Scouts and they may allow someone as young as 14 to join. However, these programs don't ride out as a full member of the department. They may be able to ride along and observe or help in some non-dangerous areas. However, they do a lot of training and can learn a lot at a young age.

[pasobuff]

In NYS there is no State-wide age limit on joining a volunteer department, it is left up to the individual Authority Having Jurisdiction as to what minimum age they want to 'hire' an individual.....most volunteer departments though have an age limit on becomint a full firefighter, generally 16-18 years old.....

[AndrewR]

In NYS there is no State-wide age limit on joining a volunteer department, it is left up to the individual Authority Having Jurisdiction as to what minimum age they want to 'hire' an individual.....most volunteer departments though have an age limit on becomint a full firefighter, generally 16-18 years old.....

From around where I am in NY the average age to join a fire department with out a Explorer Post is 16-18, with an Explorer post its about 14 or so.

[pasobuff]

From around where I am in NY the average age to join a fire department with out a Explorer Post is 16-18, with an Explorer post its about 14 or so.

I believe that is the generally accepted 'standard' - however it is not State law.....