Posted: 6/27/2026 5:17:07 PM EDT
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I did 20 years in the AF and have been out for 7 years now. Currently working in a warehouse and pretty much tired of that. I miss working as a team and having a purpose that only the military/first responders can relate to. A local paid department (sub 200 employed) advertised and I applied. Passed the online screening. Went to both practice agility tests, needed to complete in 8 minutes, first one was 7:11, second time was 6:38. Test day I did 5:49. I'm in great shape for 46, and run a 22-23 minute 5k. Could be hiring anywhere from 9-14 recruits/laterals. Agility test day there was suppose to be 40 signed up, but only 28 showed and of those, I think 2 failed. A few people I can tell even if they got past the agility test, there is no way they have a chance (IYKYK). A couple guys are lateral, a few others have EMT-B already as well. I think I've made a good impression on the officers and leadership so far. I did a 12 hour ride along, that was a good experience and the crew said they gave the hiring board a favorable recommendation. I know it all comes down to the interview that's early July though. Still a lot of hurdles to go, but I think I've got as good of chance as anyone. Anyways, if you want it, just go for it. You are the only one stopping yourself. It's motivated me to do something bigger than myself no matter what the outcome is, definetely something I lost after I retired. |
I am the original designer of the offical AR15.com "Bolt Symbol" since 2002 (should have had it Trade Marked!)
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Originally Posted By 10mmillie: Good on you for doing this. I hope they hire you. I agree. Just don't plan on a full 20+ career in the field. Your body, specifically your back and joints are going to betray you. Do a couple bad lift jobs at an awkward angle of a mayo tanker and there goes your back. The injury that ends your career is nothing noble like a save during a working fire. It's always someone mundane and pointless. Just go into the job knowing you're going to get injured. Have a backup plan to your backup plan. If you're offered long term disability insurance, don't be a cheapskate, pay for it. |
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Originally Posted By Yankee-Carpet-Bagger: I agree. Just don't plan on a full 20+ career in the field. Your body, specifically your back and joints are going to betray you. Do a couple bad lift jobs at an awkward angle of a mayo tanker and there goes your back. The injury that ends your career is nothing noble like a save during a working fire. It's always someone mundane and pointless. Just go into the job knowing you're going to get injured. Have a backup plan to your backup plan. If you're offered long term disability insurance, don't be a cheapskate, pay for it. I agree with everything you've said. They have an 8 year minimum to retire and also must be 55 to collect it. I'll be 53 at 8 years when the last kid graduates HS. Giving it my best shot, I'll be interviewing second week of July. Worst they can say is they went with someone else, but I'm pretty confident I've got as good of a shot as the next guy (or girl. their are 2, but not sure if one of them past the agility test or not). |
I am the original designer of the offical AR15.com "Bolt Symbol" since 2002 (should have had it Trade Marked!)
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I got into it at 35 or so and went through a hard ass career academy at 42, so it can be done. Every single day im working out and training guys literally half my age. These young kids are freaking studs, and im holding my own, but I know it won’t last forever. My goal is to be operational into my mid 50’s if all goes right but as soon as I’m holding the weak link, I’ll transition off the line. Not enough guys do that. The job itself is like nothing else trying to get into it. The best medic I know, now a captain and one hell of a firefighter, interviewed up and down the west coast 17 total times before landing a spot. Some dudes make it on the first try. It’s just weird. And then the group dynamics are a hell of a thing to navigate. Again, it’s doable, but manage those expectations and go be a killer attack dog if that’s what that department is about, or be the happy go lucky if that’s what they like. I’ll just say being one of those when your department is the other is an exercise in frustration so knowing yourself and knowing what you’re getting into is a good thing |
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Originally Posted By sefus: Thanks for the insight. I see you’re in WA, both my grandfather and father retired from the Bellingham Fire Department actually. I just interviewed a few days ago. I watched all the YouTube stuff and got a few pointers from some of the guys at the practice tests. But to be honest, I think I was to formal and not myself, maybe it was my military background, nerves or just listening to all the YouTube recommendations. I didn’t really know what to expect. On one hand, it’s better to be professional than the latter I guess, you can always be more relaxed in person but it’s harder to show if your to relaxed if you can be professional. I loosened up half way through as I was feeling more comfortable and a couple guys broke the ice with a few jokes. On the positive side I did do a ride along and the crew gave me a thumbs up that I’d be a good guy to work with, so that’s in my hiring packet. Only 25 of the 26 people that passed the agility test signed up for the interview. Definitely hiring for at least 9 people, possibly up to 14, so it’s a big hiring cycle. I should know by early next week they said. I’m guessing they call references and do background checks before doing conditional job offers as well. |
I am the original designer of the offical AR15.com "Bolt Symbol" since 2002 (should have had it Trade Marked!)
STILL SELLING CARFAX/AUTOCHECK REPORTS! $10 IM Me!
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Originally Posted By TaylorSwiftsCat: Just want to wish you good luck man. Keep us updated. @TaylorSwiftsCat Thanks man! Will do! The waiting is the hardest part! |
I am the original designer of the offical AR15.com "Bolt Symbol" since 2002 (should have had it Trade Marked!)
STILL SELLING CARFAX/AUTOCHECK REPORTS! $10 IM Me!
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| Well, I found out today! I was selected, pretty excited to say the least! If this isn't your sign that it's never too late if you have a dream, I don't know what is! Just take the first step! |
I am the original designer of the offical AR15.com "Bolt Symbol" since 2002 (should have had it Trade Marked!)
STILL SELLING CARFAX/AUTOCHECK REPORTS! $10 IM Me!
STILL SELLING CARFAX/AUTOCHECK REPORTS! $10 IM Me!