Is height an obstacle in becoming a firefighter?
Question by …..: Is height an obstacle in becoming a firefighter?
I’m 19, currently taking fire tech courses in college. I know a couple networks in the fire departments, but I was wondering if my height was going to be that much of a factor. 5″6 -5″7. I wouldn’t want to fully dedicate my time into this profession to only end up hearing I’m too small. I willing to give it all i have. PLEASE BE HONEST.
Best answer:
Answer by banana63
My friend Ron is a firefighter and he’s shorter then you Oakland FDP
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No. There are many guys shorter than you both paid and volley
no i might be shorty then you.
i wanna be a fire fighter and i am 5’3 and female…………reckon i can do it?
Keep up the hard work in your fire science/tech courses. The fire/rescue service needs smart, dedicated, physically competent people who are “willing to give it all” they have - just like you.
Even at 5’6″ you are completely competent of performing the tasks required of a firefighter. Your height will not (at cannot) be factored into your eligibility for hire.
Get used to being the shortest guy (of your class, of your academy, of your company, of your station, etc.) and realize that the fire service is called a “brotherhood” for a reason - and brothers can be ruthless in alternative on one a further, even if just for fun - so lose any “small man” issues long before embarking upon a fire service career (not meant to imply that you have any, it’s valuable advice nonetheless).
At 5’9″ for myself, there have been countless digit of occasions where I have been the only one able to fit into a confined space, a mangled car with victims trapped and injured inside, attics (more than I can count) for rescues and for fire attack…the list goes on…
There are going to be some physical tasks (on the drill ground, at the entry-level physical-agility test, and throughout your career) that you will have to go slightly differently from others, due to physical stature (acceptable deviations from standard).
These will involve applying uncommon body mechanics - which you’ll be educated. An example that comes to mind is the “one-man ladder removal-and-rack” evolution.
Study hard, train hard, give it your all. The fire service needs the best.
Level 1 Firefighter, 5’7″ people shorter than me on my Dept.