This is a common question for many people who are considering a career change to become a firefighter later in life. There are some important factors to consider when determining if 32 is too old to become a firefighter.
Physical Requirements
Firefighting is a physically demanding job. Firefighters must be able to perform tasks like climbing ladders, carrying heavy equipment, breaking down doors, and more. This requires strength, endurance, and overall fitness. While age 32 is not extremely old, it is definitely past the prime physical peak that is typical for firefighters in their 20s.
However, that doesn’t mean a 32 year old can’t get in proper physical condition to pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) or other fire department physical requirements. It just may take more time and effort to build up the necessary strength and endurance compared to a younger candidate.
Strength and Endurance Training
A dedicated strength and conditioning program is a must. This should include:
- Weight training to build muscle and strength in both the upper and lower body
- Cardiovascular exercise like running, biking, swimming, etc. to improve endurance
- Grip strength training
- Core strength training
- Flexibility exercises and stretching
A good goal would be to work towards being able to perform at the 50th percentile or better compared to national averages for your gender and age group on standard strength and fitness tests like push-ups, sit-ups, grip test, 1.5 mile run, etc.
Mental Preparedness
In addition to physical requirements, the fire service also demands strong mental fortitude. The job requires quick decision making under pressure, dealing with traumatic experiences, managing interpersonal conflicts, memorizing locations and protocols, and more.
While a 32 year old may not have the brash bravado of a 22 year old, they can leverage their life experience and maturity. What’s most important is demonstrating the ability to remain calm under stress, build rapport with crew members, and continue learning new skills.
Experience and Education
In some ways, being 32 can actually be a benefit. Many 32 year old career changers will have previous work experience, leadership skills, and higher education that a younger candidate fresh out of high school or college may lack.
Fire departments want to see skills like:
- Teamwork and collaboration abilities
- Personal accountability and work ethic
- Oral and written communication skills
- Creative problem solving and decision making
- Ability to use reason even in emergencies
Previous work and life experience that demonstrates these traits will improve your candidacy, even if you don’t have a fire-related background.
Gain Relevant Training and Certifications
Consider earning certifications like a paramedic license, EMT certification, specialized rescue training, Firefighter I & II, etc. This shows commitment to the career path and applicable skills.
Department Age Requirements
Most fire departments do not have an upper age limit for applicants. The only age requirements relate to minimums, not maximums. For example, you usually must be at least 18 years old, or 21 in some cities, to apply.
However, some departments do have maximum hiring ages that may be a potential barrier:
| Department | Maximum Hiring Age |
|---|---|
| New York City Fire Department | 29 |
| Los Angeles Fire Department | 31 |
| Houston Fire Department | 34 |
So be sure to research the requirements for your local department. If you are past a maximum age, consider applying in another city.
Physical Ability Tests
Every fire department will require passing a physical ability test to become a firefighter. Tests like the CPAT simulate common fireground tasks.
While age doesn’t automatically disqualify you from passing, the physical benchmarks are more challenging the older you get. Your aerobic capacity, strength, and recovery ability naturally decline after about age 30.
So you’ll have to put in significant effort to get in top physical condition. This chart shows how maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) typically decreases by age:
| Age | VO2 Max (ml/kg/min) |
|---|---|
| 20-29 | 41-51 |
| 30-39 | 37-48 |
| 40-49 | 31-42 |
| 50-59 | 26-37 |
Your VO2 max impacts your endurance and aerobic fitness. So even though 32 is still in the “average” range, your max VO2 will likely be lower than a 22 year old rookie.
Career Length
Most firefighters retire sometime between ages 50 and 60. So becoming a firefighter at 32 gives you anywhere from 18 to 28 potential years before retirement.
Compare that to starting at 22 which would yield 28 to 38 working years. So you definitely shorten the total length of your firefighting career by joining at an older age.
However, many firefighters enjoy second careers after retiring from the fire service. Popular options include nursing, teaching, EMT work, consulting, and starting a small business. The skills gained as a firefighter also transfer well to roles in emergency management, investigations, and the public sector.
Department Needs
Staffing shortages in the fire and EMS sector actually improve your chances of getting hired at an older age. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected 7% increase in firefighter jobs through 2026.
Many departments are struggling to recruit enough younger applicants to replace retiring firefighters. For comparison, in the late 1970s over 400,000 people took the New York City firefighter exam. In 2019, only around 30,000 took the exam.
This need for new applicants gives older recruits a better shot, especially those who are physically fit and have in-demand knowledge like paramedic skills.
Cost and Length of Training
Becoming a firefighter requires significant upfront time and costs for education:
- EMT training (4 to 8 months)
- Paramedic training (12 to 24 months)
- Fire academy (4 to 8 months)
There are also ongoing training requirements once you are hired. These costs often exceed $5,000 dollars altogether.
At age 32, you need to seriously consider if you can recoup those costs with your remaining years of service before retirement. Or if it is worth the investment for a shorter second career.
Starting From the Bottom
No matter what age you get hired, you start at the bottom rung of the fire department. Expect to spend your first years cleaning trucks and equipment, checking hydrants, and performing other rookie duties before you start running calls.
After promotion to engineer and lieutenant, it can take 10 years or more until you reach leadership positions like captain. So if you join at 32, you may serve your entire career before reaching top roles.
However, starting at the bottom does teach discipline, camaraderie, and respect for the job. And many younger firefighters will view an older rookie as a mentor.
Pension Impacts
Most fire departments offer attractive defined-benefit pension plans. This provides stable retirement income based on your age, rank, and years of service.
For example, you may qualify for 50% to 70% of your salary after 25 years of service. Joining later means fewer years paying into the pension, so your benefit amount will be reduced.
Run pension calculations to see if it is still worth joining if you cannot max out your benefit by a typical retirement age. The pension alone may not outweigh other pros and cons.
Health Risks
Firefighting carries higher risks for health conditions like:
- Respiratory disease from smoke inhalation
- Hearing loss from siren and truck noise
- Back and joint injuries from heavy lifting
- Cancer from chemical exposure
- PTSD and mental health issues
Some departments have mandatory retirement ages as early as 55 due to this hazardous exposure over many years. Joining at an older age gives you less time before these health risks potentially force retirement.
Make sure to take precautions like using SCBA when needed, wearing ear protection, staying physically fit, and getting regular medical checkups.
Personal and Family Obligations
The erratic schedule also presents work/life balance challenges. You may miss family events like birthdays and anniversaries due to 24 hours shifts. Child or elder care can be difficult to manage around a firefighter’s schedule.
Consider any impacts on your current family obligations before joining. For example, becoming a firefighter may be easier if your children are grown rather than still young kids at home.
Conclusion
While 32 is not too old to become a firefighter, it presents more physical, financial, and family challenges than joining at a younger age. However, a physically fit 32 year old with relevant experience and skills is definitely a viable candidate, especially given staffing shortages in many departments.
The keys are understanding the demands of the job, getting into excellent physical shape, and weighing if the shorter career length still fits your goals. If you are committed to joining the fire service and willing to put in the necessary preparation, 32 is certainly not too late.