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I’m a 43-year-old rookie firefighter

Leaving a successful career for the firefighting life has taught me some lessons that may help you succeed in a similar move

By Steve Rose

My former boss questioned my sanity. My friends asked “why?” After 20 successful years as a businessman, I walked away from a well-paying job to become a career firefighter.

I was good at my job. I made good money. I traveled to new and exciting places with a generous budget for travel expenses.

But I was bored. I sat in front of a computer all day in a 6- x 8-foot cube without a window. I craved adventure, and more importantly, a career that made a difference in the lives of others.

After five years as a volunteer firefighter, I decided to make the fire service my career.

Changes in the way people evaluate their lives and their place in the world around them mean more and more “seasoned” adults are looking for meaningful career changes. In my case, I had proven myself in one career and was ready for a new challenge.

Here are four lessons I learned that can help other volunteers considering a similar move. I’ve also added in two tips to help officers get the most out of the old rookie.

1. Be humble
It doesn’t matter that you were a manager in a previous job. Firefighting is a tough job. Be respectful of the guys and gals who have been doing it longer than you and learn from them, even when they are much younger than you.

Scrub the toilets and take out the trash. Pay your dues. Your crew will respect your work ethic.

2. Stay in shape
Hopefully you are already on a regular fitness routine before you start rookie school. Firefighting is a physically demanding job.

Your crew is much more likely to accept an “old man” on the team when they see you can keep up with them during PT.

3. Learn and study everyday
One of the things that attracted me to the fire service is the chance to continually learn. There are no shortage of training opportunities.

You are already years behind your squad mates. So crack open the book, put hands on the tools, take classes and ask questions.

4. Honor the traditions
Firefighting is a job with a long history of great traditions. Although you’ve had a lot of life experience, never forget you’re still a rookie. Take the time to learn the history of your department and about the long line of men and women who’ve come before you.

Have fun, and a great attitude about looking for the “left-handed Halligan” or other harmless pranks. Not only will you take pride in participating in age-old traditions, your crew mates will see you are a good sport.

Here are two tips for company officers when the rookie is old.

1. Reserve judgment
Just the fact someone wants to enter the fire service later in life says a lot about their internal fortitude. In my case, I sat behind a desk, but I spent my nights and weekends as a volunteer firefighter, avid outdoorsman and fitness junkie.

My abilities on the fire ground quickly proved I could do the job. Because I started late, my body hasn’t been subjected to 20 years of firefighting physical abuse. So my body may be older, but in some ways I’m physically better off than guys 10 years my junior — there’s not many chances for sprains and strains sitting in an office all day.

2. Learn from the rookie
Although he or she may be new to the fire service, they bring a unique set of skills to the table. On EMS calls, their ability to interact with people of various backgrounds can be useful. And their problem solving abilities can bring fresh perspective to challenges on the fire ground.

In my case, knowledge gained from years of experience selling industrial chemicals were helpful on a fire pre-incident plan visit to a chemical processing plant.

Whether you are a Gen X volunteer firefighter looking to make the jump to a career department, or you’re a young lieutenant with a rookie old enough to be your dad, embrace the experience.

About the author

Steve Rose is in his first year as a career firefighter and A-EMT with a metro-Atlanta county fire department. He also serves as an officer for Oconee County (Ga.) Volunteer Fire Rescue. Prior to becoming a career firefighter, Rose spent 20 years in marketing communications. He has an MBA in marketing and a very understanding wife.

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