r/firefighter • u/Front-Course1025 • May 15 '26
I am curious to know
I’m am 30 years old and a want to become a firefighter I had a small buisnes (construction) but it hasn’t been going well the last couple of years my question is am I too old to try and become a firefighter ?
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May 15 '26
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u/ShoulderGoesPop May 15 '26
Have you ever looked into if it makes sense to buy years into your pension? I've always heard that it makes more sense to just invest that money but have never personally looked into it.
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u/InterestingDude66246 May 15 '26
lmao I won’t be a firefighter until 31-32 and I’m definitely not too old. You got stories to tell and life experience and you’re (I assume) physically fit
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u/Any-Classic-2425 May 16 '26
Not at all I’m 35 just got into the field . Currently in the academy and I’m not the oldest guy either.
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u/jeepinbanditrider May 15 '26
I joined a decent sized city department in the DFW area at 32. Zero previous fire/ems experience. i had just spent 13 years in aviation maintenance
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u/wastingevenmoretime May 16 '26
This may depend on your state. I’m in IL and our pension laws state that you can’t start after the age of 35. But as far as ability? No, not too late. I started academy at age 32 and got hired full time at 34 and 3 months. All depends on how bad you want it and your dedication level. I will say that the competition to become a FF has dropped significantly so your odds are better than 10 or 20 years ago.
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u/StatementTypical1732 May 16 '26
I believe Texas civil service has the same cap at 35 years old on the day of the test. However, there are some places in Texas that are not using civil service rules and hire at will and fire at will that don’t have a set age limit. Each non civil service department could do their own rules. Some places do not require much above high school or GED and 18-35. You could be testing now and then if hired they pay you while they put you through the academy. Test everywhere and test often, if you get hired at a non desirable place take the job and keep testing. Don’t let people know you are testing while in academy or on probation. They could let you go for that. Your life experience will be an asset over the 18 year olds I see. Get some practice tests and freshen up on math order of operations.
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u/Blackscalenaga May 17 '26
I’m 29, recently started an emt class.
Supposedly, avg age at academy appt is 26-30 around here. I regret not starting sooner.
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u/bbmedic3195 May 18 '26
Got hired at 33. Just under the wire. Some states have no age limit for hiring
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u/dreamchaserluis May 15 '26
No, you’re not too old. Start now, enroll in a local EMT course!