Any firefighters, looking for guidance

I am strongly considering changing careers and am looking into firefighting. I'm not sure if I'm too old so start into this career but I'm looking for guidance on what to start looking at. I'm 33 and in pretty good physical condition. Mechanically inclined and want to start helping people rather than dealing with crazy ass customers at my current job. I do have a bachelors degree in Business but no certifications for CRP etc.

What programs/curriculum is best to look into? What are the chances of actually getting a job? I live in the Denver, CO area and really don't want to relocate unless its up north near Ft Collins/Loveland.

 

33 is pretty old for starting this career. Bachelors degree generally won't help you get hired as a FF. I've got a Degree in Business Administration and never used it. I'm not sure how Denver, CO Springs, and the surrounding areas do their hiring process but if it's anything like ours then you have to serve 28 years to get full retirement benefits. I started when I was 22 and have a little over 7 to go and I'm out.

If your looking to get away from crazy ass people this isn't the job for you. You will see the worst of humanity and people in the worst day of their life. Nothing can prepare you for some of the things you will have to see or do. I'm not trying to talk you out of applying just know what you are getting yourself into. I love the job but the job takes a huge toll on you, your health, and your family.

Reference this thread to see the toll it took on me.

Generally most paid Fire Depts hire off a 3 phase list. First is a written test, then a physical agility test, then a oral panel interview. Some differ but generally that is the standard. You get hired by where you end up with your cumulative score.

Good luck with whatever direction you decide to go.

 

My friend, 34, just got hired by Cincinnati Fire. He said it's the best decision he ever made. 36 was the cut off, and he worked as a volunteer fireman in our town for a few years prior.

 

It’s a great job , South metro Fire which covers your area is the best in the state in myopinion . Hard to get into a good paid department in our state. The last groupof 14 hired at South Metro where the topout of over 2200 applicants. South metro actually has a program once a year”Last time I checked”, free for residents. In which they put you through a miniacademy to give you an idea of what you’regetting into, just give them a call. Do some ride-a-longs and think about volunteeringfor one of the smaller departments out east there. Not only you get to see and do the job but volunteer experienceis huge on the resume. Red rocks has a descent fire associates program with some onlineclasses but experience is better than certificates. Plus department will putyou through pay/help pay for some classes once you get on anyways but somerequire you to be a certified EMT beforehand. Don’t worry too much about your age that lastacademy one of the guys was a physician’s assistant in his 50s looking for achange. Pensions and benefits are going to differ with every department. Wouldbe more worried about being in good shape and brushing up on your mechanical / mathskills. Like the other guy said , be ready to see some crazy shit and people who will sometimeseven fight back when you’re trying to help.

 

Best job ever.. You do deal with crazies, you are a taxi driver "at times", you are not sleeping "at times", you see some crazy stuff "at times". In the end your only dealing with those "crazies" for less then 30 minutes, then your back with your best friends at work.

We have plenty of 30+ new firefighters, what matters is your in shape. In Utah you have to do 25 years to collect pension, some states is 20.

With that being said it is an extremely competitive job to acquire and be prepared to put everything to the side to study/test. Some bigger depts. in Utah will have 3 openings and close to 1000 people test.

 

Unless there's a cut off you're never too old. Do it.