I'm 32 and haven't even started classes yet. It will probably be another 6 months or so before I can start the pre reqs our state requires. You have to be an EMT first before going to the fire academy here in FL. So I'll start working on those next year. Then i'll head to the academy after that. I'll have to take the night program which is close to 8 months long. So if all goes well, i'll be employed as a firefighter/emt by the time i'm 34 or 35.

 

The key is not to quit. Stay focused. Good luck!

 

Was... I quit back in April. I was career for almost 4 years. Too much politics and BS in my small department. I was at BWI Airport Fire Rescue in Baltimore, MD. Too much politics, and bull****. Didn't get a single raise since I was there, no chance of promotion... people in the union just worried about NOT doing their job.. old guy's vs. newer guys ect ect... I left there and became a Plumber Steamfitter apprentice.. sad part is, I am make the same, if not more, and will double my income in 5 years, guarenteed... you think my old department would be paying me 30 plus an hour in 5 years? doubt it.. plus now I get full paid benefits, a great pension, annuity, 401k, ect.

Do I miss my career? yes... I loved my job, I just hated where I worked.. and no, there was no chance of a transfer to another department. I have a stack of wasted certs.. all pro board, FFII, HazMat IC, InstructorI, FireOfficer II, Confined Space Rescue, trench, auto, industrial, EMT-B, yadda yadda...

and now I am just a dumb *** construction worker... but I'm still doing stuff I like... welding, working with my hands, accomplishing something, job satisfaction...

-Steve

 

Ya I am not always happy with my department either. I work at a department were 90% of the people have been here over 10 years and they have only worked here. They don't like to do anything that is new or different even though it is better. There are things we do that can get us hurt but they just won't change. It is frustrating. I hope to move to a bigger department in the future. I am starting to get my Fire Science degree soon to help me move up the chain.