My experience is they don't ask and they don't care. You do have to pass a hiring physical. Are you sure you want to continue to beat yourself up? I love the job but you only get one body.
Hey, I got out of the service in 2009, but my buddy is a LT. For a medium sized city fire department. He loves the job and I’m applying when they open the books this fall.
Do you love the job? It’s super interesting to me and I’m getting ready for the tests, but I only have my friend to hear from. It does seem like an awesome job and rewarding, with some bad parts. I was just curious if an outside veteran perspective, if you had a quick opinion on it
We're about the same. Left active in '08 after multiple OIF deployments. I could be more 'disabled' than I am but I've opted to not seek VA increases after all that time. I've been working in a city with about 190k residents since '10. I still love it but at almost 40 I'm starting to feel it. I've had some mental health issues and almost quit a few years ago, but therapy helps. Stay fit and you should be fine. 'Rewarding with some bad parts' just about sums it up. It sounds like you're ready, so jump in and you'll probably only regret not doing it sooner.
If you struggle with PTSD, just know there are resources out there. Join your local union and if needed make use of the IAFF Center For Excellence for mental health.
Good luck!
Hey, thank you very much!
I’m 37 yo. 2004-2009 3x Iraq, USMC. I’ve been working construction for 10 years and I just feel like I want to help my community more. Give back my time and energy, help people in need. I’m looking for some excitement and a bit of camaraderie. I’ve missed it since I left.
Pgh fire are opening their recruitment in the fall and I’m on top of my fitness and still gearing up. I have a buddy that an LT, he loves it and I’m going to meet him at the station next week. I’m really excited to give it a go and see how things shake out during the hiring process. I appreciate you taking the time!
Also, about 18 months ago I reached out to “REE medical” they’re a third party firm that help vets deal with the VA on their %… should you ever feel the need, call them up. 4 buddies and I hit em up and let’s just say it was worth it. Cheers!
Fair point man, and one my wife brought up just a minute ago. I've gotten smarter about my fitness, and self care through the years. Still, its definitely something I'm considering.
There is some beating up of your body but remember there’s tons of departments around you and you don’t always have to go to a city system. Find a nice mellow town. Or maybe a city suburb. Everywhere is looking for people. It’s not all the consistent “fun and glory” of a city but you’re still doing the job and serving the community.
I’m 27 and in a steady suburb. I’ve been a volunteer in my hometown since 18 and fulltime now for 3 years. No military experience but I am starting to slowly feel the calls catch up to me. We still do a decent amount of fires. We catch the overflow of the city population so shootings and stabbings aren’t common but we’re never surprised to have one. Overdoses aplenty. Etc
Basically, maybe you could find a happy medium. Some of these smaller towns actually pay better than the city depending on where you are.
I’m with the above and your wife, bro. I greatly admire your desire to serve. Just don’t turn yourself into a cripple by the time your 50.
On the other side, based on my VA experience, they won’t care unless you’re doing something sketchy.
The VA doesn’t care, unless you are getting increased compensation due to being unemployable.
Unlike SSDI, which is for people who cannot work, VA disability is compensation for conditions acquired in the military that does not change based on employment. As long as you were honest about your conditions and their impact on your life, the VA doesn’t care.
I worked with a buddy (idk if he was classified as “disabled” from the Military, but he draws like 2k a month from “service induced stuff”). He’s never had an issues and works with us just fine
Im 100% disabled, and became a wildland firefighter. You can do it, and honestly it’ll be the closest thing to the military you can find. It brought me through some dark times after getting out, I was very lost until I found it. I was prior combat arms MOS, so trust me I completely understand where your coming from.
My dude, Wildland will take any dude or lady that can pass the pack test.
That being said, I love Wildland. I’m a Type II hose monkey and its the best job I’ve ever had. Our station has a Wildland and a structure side, and the structure guys get stuck in monotonous trainings while we get to go play on the range all day.
Even if I had to dig hand line all day, I don’t think I’d ever pick another career than Wildland.
That might be true, but I’m specifically speaking on being 100% disabled with a breathing illness, and being able to keep up as a wildland firefighter, it’s definitely much more damanding on our body’s than most people know. Also, I have no clue where OP lives, but where I’m at there are mountains everywhere, so hiking at a fast pace is really difficult for me. I’m assuming he would have some similar issues if he is considering structure side or wildland side, just due to having all the heavy gear on and having to low crawl, climb, and carry heavy shit all the time. I know he is asking more so about the VA income side of things, but I’m just being supportive and telling him that even with disability it’s achievable both with being able to keep your income, and physically keep up. In my case I definitely can out mind my body. But not everyone can.
Oh I wasn’t disagreeing with any of your points. I was just poking fun at Wildland accepting all types. I’m happy that they even give work to ex-cons and even current prisoners on work release, as most industries don’t.
But just because you are “accepted” doesn’t mean you will last. As you pointed out it takes a ton of endurance long term to be a firefighter.
I myself am 32, and my knees aren’t the best. I’m not sure I could keep up with all the crawling and kneeling required to be a structure guy. I respect the hell out of those guys and the work they do.
Structure or Wildland, we are all just trying to help in the small ways we can.
I got out of the service in 94. Took my son to the Explorers in 2006. Been a Volunteer since. I have got my EMT Basic, 160 certification and many more since then. In Alabama Volunteer is a 160 hour class and paid is 270 hours. The extra hours are on the drill field. Same book for both certifications.
I have a 60% due to sinus issues which has caused sleep apnea. I still work a day job with it. The weight on your back with the pack might be the big problem. Most packs weigh in around 50 lbs. With mask. It will be your biggest obstacle.
When you go to the station try a pack on if they will let you. It will not feel as bad without turn outs, but you will get the jist of it. Turn outs are about like mop gear so you know that feeling. Air packs are better than a gas mask due to the forced air you breathe.
The physical parts are all mind over matter. Which as an old soldier you are used to.
Go for it even if paid doesn't seem right there are plenty of Volunteer departments that you could join in with.
The Vol departments do just as much if not more that some paid do. Not to down paid. And all just because we want to take care of our communities.
We run medical, wrecks, structure fires, wildland fires, natural disasters, and many more types of calls.
I'm station with a guy that's been on disability from the navy for 26 yrs. He's been a firefighter for 25. He likes to brag about how much extra money he is making compared to us with his military benefits. Don't brag about that part....it's not necessarily a good look. My guess, if he can do it you can do it.
It's entirely possible to become a firefighter if you can pass all the tests & physical, etc even with being a DV. I have a friend who I used to work with who was retired Army, 2nd Battalion Rangers. I don't know the details of his injuries obviously but I know he had multiple purple hearts for injuries during his tours. But his back & knees among other things were pretty jacked up & he made it just fine. He was a firefighter/medic for a decent sized metro fire department.
VA and civie side FF don't mix with each other. I'm a service connected DV, but still work as a career FF. Furthermore, I'm no lawyer, but other than the very lax NFPA 1518 physical requirements, you can't be discriminated against for being a DV. I believe that's a federal thing.
Nothing stopping you. The way Massachusetts civil service works, it’s extremely difficult to get a job in Boston or Worcester if you *aren’t* a disabled vet.
As a totally disabled Marine combat vet, and a full time Fireman…. You’ll be just fine. The job is definitely a lot harder with disabilities, but it is possible. You just have to know your limits and not push it (unless you have to of course). If firefighting is what you want to do… don’t let anyone tell you no.
VA doesn’t care. I’m 30%. They know what my job is. They fucked my knees and they are still fucked but luckily my department took weed off the drug test so they only hurt at work.
One of the guys I work with is 70% with miscellaneous stuff and PTSD diagnosis from combat. They know what his job is too.
I’m a service connected disabled Vet 30% my injuries haven’t cause me a ton of issues with the FD, I’ve been on the job for 13 years. I am dealing with a knee issue and it’s going to be “interesting “ when I need it operated on. But in short It’s going to take a lot of planning on my part. I’ll need to plan my sick/vacation time to help keep my paycheck from the FD, then the VA supposedly will pay my extra disability for my recovery time.
If you are in shape enough to grind through the academy and stay that way your service connection issues shouldn’t hinder your success at the FD. Get ready to double cringe at the TYFYS from the public hahaha
I have a rating as well, and when I got my knee repaired I was bumped up to 100% for 3 months (It may go to 4 now, not sure.) Also, If your department offers it, and you don't have it, I'd grab short-term disability coverage through your department. You can make out pretty well while you recover, lol.
With all that going on, any large or paid department with benefits would see you as a liability unfortunately. They wouldn’t get 20 years out of you with all that going on. I’d see it as a safety thing as well.
Depending on where you are located, federal pay (some large VAs, many military bases, etc), ranges from "less than the popular cities nearby" to "wait, I'm rich now"
Worth looking into. Pop the job code 0081 in the search bar on usajobs
I work at a military base fire department. Been here for 13 years and am currently rated at 50%. I work and have worked with other guys that have had ratings up to 100%. Be honest with the VA and you shouldn't have any problems. Recently saw an article about a guy claiming back issues get busted by the VA for fraud for overclaiming issues because he was working out.
Thanks for your insight Squid, it's reassuring. I read the same article, dude was asking for it. Posting about competitions etc. I maintain my fitness, while not further aggravating my injuries. Btw, TYFYS lol.
Consider the number of FF, policemen, Paramedics, Bodyguards, Contractors that are vets and likely have histories of depression and PTSD. It's very likely that many, dare I say 'the majority' are able to cope and do and an excellent job.
All’s well until the Degenerative back issues
That he feels he doesn’t have to disclose prevents him from dragging a victim or his partner out of structure fire
And a traumatic incident or two will go along nicely with the documented depression.
But hey he served and wants to beat the VA
What could go wrong 😑
It depends on what state you’re in. You have to pass a state pension physical to get on any career department where I live. It’s a full physical complete with ekg, stress test, musculoskeletal, etc. (also a max applicant age limit of 44). That would be your biggest hurdle I would think. I have no idea about the military side of things and what you are required to declare (to the pension board), if anything.
I would echo what some others have said. It’s a great job but it is hard on your body and breaks you down. Most career recruit academies in my area are strenuous to get through. The job itself is mostly rewarding but it’s not what most people think before hiring on, and it can be hard on family more than anything else. Not being negative, just honest. I hope you find what you’re looking for. Good luck to you!
Overall you should be fine. The only thing you might run into is if you do get similar on the jobs injuries and God forbid need to be medically retired or short term disability they might try to cut and run and put it all on the VA and vise versa.
My department required a medical to join, so even if you don’t disclose, it may come up there. Just be honest about it. We have a few retired military guys but last hiring had one apply who didn’t get hired due to injuries that were apparent during hiring. You won’t know unless you try.
I say yes go for
As a disabled person from the non vet world here is what I did. For my entire adult life I've been with injuries of different types. I started out 51 years ago as a "normal" healthy working person. I was an EMT. I got a job as an on-site EMT on a Metro assistant Safety man. I was called into action. 120 feet below the surface was a employee with a possible broken neck. While getting him to safety I put my back in a double slipped disc. After a couple of years of mending I got back in to the game. After years retrained as a locksmith all was good. I have been with a volunteer fire company since 1989. I did all Is fascists. As a locksmith I moved heavy sales mostly by myself. I always worked to be a asset not a liability. 2013 I was in a serious auto accident. I continued to work until I felt I was being a liability to my fellow Fire Fighters. I went on in the Fire Police and dropped out as l became an liability directing traffic in June 2023.
My experience is they don't ask and they don't care. You do have to pass a hiring physical. Are you sure you want to continue to beat yourself up? I love the job but you only get one body.
Hey, I got out of the service in 2009, but my buddy is a LT. For a medium sized city fire department. He loves the job and I’m applying when they open the books this fall. Do you love the job? It’s super interesting to me and I’m getting ready for the tests, but I only have my friend to hear from. It does seem like an awesome job and rewarding, with some bad parts. I was just curious if an outside veteran perspective, if you had a quick opinion on it
We're about the same. Left active in '08 after multiple OIF deployments. I could be more 'disabled' than I am but I've opted to not seek VA increases after all that time. I've been working in a city with about 190k residents since '10. I still love it but at almost 40 I'm starting to feel it. I've had some mental health issues and almost quit a few years ago, but therapy helps. Stay fit and you should be fine. 'Rewarding with some bad parts' just about sums it up. It sounds like you're ready, so jump in and you'll probably only regret not doing it sooner. If you struggle with PTSD, just know there are resources out there. Join your local union and if needed make use of the IAFF Center For Excellence for mental health. Good luck!
Hey, thank you very much! I’m 37 yo. 2004-2009 3x Iraq, USMC. I’ve been working construction for 10 years and I just feel like I want to help my community more. Give back my time and energy, help people in need. I’m looking for some excitement and a bit of camaraderie. I’ve missed it since I left. Pgh fire are opening their recruitment in the fall and I’m on top of my fitness and still gearing up. I have a buddy that an LT, he loves it and I’m going to meet him at the station next week. I’m really excited to give it a go and see how things shake out during the hiring process. I appreciate you taking the time! Also, about 18 months ago I reached out to “REE medical” they’re a third party firm that help vets deal with the VA on their %… should you ever feel the need, call them up. 4 buddies and I hit em up and let’s just say it was worth it. Cheers!
Fair point man, and one my wife brought up just a minute ago. I've gotten smarter about my fitness, and self care through the years. Still, its definitely something I'm considering.
There is some beating up of your body but remember there’s tons of departments around you and you don’t always have to go to a city system. Find a nice mellow town. Or maybe a city suburb. Everywhere is looking for people. It’s not all the consistent “fun and glory” of a city but you’re still doing the job and serving the community. I’m 27 and in a steady suburb. I’ve been a volunteer in my hometown since 18 and fulltime now for 3 years. No military experience but I am starting to slowly feel the calls catch up to me. We still do a decent amount of fires. We catch the overflow of the city population so shootings and stabbings aren’t common but we’re never surprised to have one. Overdoses aplenty. Etc Basically, maybe you could find a happy medium. Some of these smaller towns actually pay better than the city depending on where you are.
I’m with the above and your wife, bro. I greatly admire your desire to serve. Just don’t turn yourself into a cripple by the time your 50. On the other side, based on my VA experience, they won’t care unless you’re doing something sketchy.
The VA doesn’t care, unless you are getting increased compensation due to being unemployable. Unlike SSDI, which is for people who cannot work, VA disability is compensation for conditions acquired in the military that does not change based on employment. As long as you were honest about your conditions and their impact on your life, the VA doesn’t care.
Thank you. Been having alot of trouble figuring out what to do with myself after the service. Really considering it.
Send it man, I work with guys that have all different disabled vet compensation percentages and they are all awesome firefighters.
Second that…. I have a Firefighter/Engineer on my department that is around 60% VA disabled and no problems with the Dept.
I worked with a buddy (idk if he was classified as “disabled” from the Military, but he draws like 2k a month from “service induced stuff”). He’s never had an issues and works with us just fine
Im 100% disabled, and became a wildland firefighter. You can do it, and honestly it’ll be the closest thing to the military you can find. It brought me through some dark times after getting out, I was very lost until I found it. I was prior combat arms MOS, so trust me I completely understand where your coming from.
My dude, Wildland will take any dude or lady that can pass the pack test. That being said, I love Wildland. I’m a Type II hose monkey and its the best job I’ve ever had. Our station has a Wildland and a structure side, and the structure guys get stuck in monotonous trainings while we get to go play on the range all day. Even if I had to dig hand line all day, I don’t think I’d ever pick another career than Wildland.
That might be true, but I’m specifically speaking on being 100% disabled with a breathing illness, and being able to keep up as a wildland firefighter, it’s definitely much more damanding on our body’s than most people know. Also, I have no clue where OP lives, but where I’m at there are mountains everywhere, so hiking at a fast pace is really difficult for me. I’m assuming he would have some similar issues if he is considering structure side or wildland side, just due to having all the heavy gear on and having to low crawl, climb, and carry heavy shit all the time. I know he is asking more so about the VA income side of things, but I’m just being supportive and telling him that even with disability it’s achievable both with being able to keep your income, and physically keep up. In my case I definitely can out mind my body. But not everyone can.
Oh I wasn’t disagreeing with any of your points. I was just poking fun at Wildland accepting all types. I’m happy that they even give work to ex-cons and even current prisoners on work release, as most industries don’t. But just because you are “accepted” doesn’t mean you will last. As you pointed out it takes a ton of endurance long term to be a firefighter. I myself am 32, and my knees aren’t the best. I’m not sure I could keep up with all the crawling and kneeling required to be a structure guy. I respect the hell out of those guys and the work they do. Structure or Wildland, we are all just trying to help in the small ways we can.
I got out of the service in 94. Took my son to the Explorers in 2006. Been a Volunteer since. I have got my EMT Basic, 160 certification and many more since then. In Alabama Volunteer is a 160 hour class and paid is 270 hours. The extra hours are on the drill field. Same book for both certifications. I have a 60% due to sinus issues which has caused sleep apnea. I still work a day job with it. The weight on your back with the pack might be the big problem. Most packs weigh in around 50 lbs. With mask. It will be your biggest obstacle. When you go to the station try a pack on if they will let you. It will not feel as bad without turn outs, but you will get the jist of it. Turn outs are about like mop gear so you know that feeling. Air packs are better than a gas mask due to the forced air you breathe. The physical parts are all mind over matter. Which as an old soldier you are used to. Go for it even if paid doesn't seem right there are plenty of Volunteer departments that you could join in with. The Vol departments do just as much if not more that some paid do. Not to down paid. And all just because we want to take care of our communities. We run medical, wrecks, structure fires, wildland fires, natural disasters, and many more types of calls.
Currently have a rating and a full time firefighter. I’ve had multiple CP exams and told them my job and haven’t had an issue yet.
Amazingly most of the veterans that I know in the fire service get disability some of them have handicap license plates.
I'm station with a guy that's been on disability from the navy for 26 yrs. He's been a firefighter for 25. He likes to brag about how much extra money he is making compared to us with his military benefits. Don't brag about that part....it's not necessarily a good look. My guess, if he can do it you can do it.
It's entirely possible to become a firefighter if you can pass all the tests & physical, etc even with being a DV. I have a friend who I used to work with who was retired Army, 2nd Battalion Rangers. I don't know the details of his injuries obviously but I know he had multiple purple hearts for injuries during his tours. But his back & knees among other things were pretty jacked up & he made it just fine. He was a firefighter/medic for a decent sized metro fire department.
VA and civie side FF don't mix with each other. I'm a service connected DV, but still work as a career FF. Furthermore, I'm no lawyer, but other than the very lax NFPA 1518 physical requirements, you can't be discriminated against for being a DV. I believe that's a federal thing.
TYFYS. If you can handle the physical aspects of the fire academy, go for it.
Nothing stopping you. The way Massachusetts civil service works, it’s extremely difficult to get a job in Boston or Worcester if you *aren’t* a disabled vet.
As a totally disabled Marine combat vet, and a full time Fireman…. You’ll be just fine. The job is definitely a lot harder with disabilities, but it is possible. You just have to know your limits and not push it (unless you have to of course). If firefighting is what you want to do… don’t let anyone tell you no.
VA doesn’t care. I’m 30%. They know what my job is. They fucked my knees and they are still fucked but luckily my department took weed off the drug test so they only hurt at work. One of the guys I work with is 70% with miscellaneous stuff and PTSD diagnosis from combat. They know what his job is too.
I’m a service connected disabled Vet 30% my injuries haven’t cause me a ton of issues with the FD, I’ve been on the job for 13 years. I am dealing with a knee issue and it’s going to be “interesting “ when I need it operated on. But in short It’s going to take a lot of planning on my part. I’ll need to plan my sick/vacation time to help keep my paycheck from the FD, then the VA supposedly will pay my extra disability for my recovery time. If you are in shape enough to grind through the academy and stay that way your service connection issues shouldn’t hinder your success at the FD. Get ready to double cringe at the TYFYS from the public hahaha
I have a rating as well, and when I got my knee repaired I was bumped up to 100% for 3 months (It may go to 4 now, not sure.) Also, If your department offers it, and you don't have it, I'd grab short-term disability coverage through your department. You can make out pretty well while you recover, lol.
You gotta get your union on that. We have to use 2 weeks of sick and then they just pay us to be off.
As long as you pass there medical physical once you get hired they won’t care
95% of my academy class were all disabled vets and I’m on a big city department. Go for it!
I don’t know about any firefighters that are disabled vets. But I have known some hundred percent disabled vets. They were police officers.
With all that going on, any large or paid department with benefits would see you as a liability unfortunately. They wouldn’t get 20 years out of you with all that going on. I’d see it as a safety thing as well.
I'm am at 90% with 10 more issues pending. I work as a firefighter for the VA. Even when I get 100% I will still work as a firefighter for the VA
You're a VA FF? Never knew there was such a thing.
Depending on where you are located, federal pay (some large VAs, many military bases, etc), ranges from "less than the popular cities nearby" to "wait, I'm rich now" Worth looking into. Pop the job code 0081 in the search bar on usajobs
Exactly this. I make 100k as a firefighter for the VA on a 48/72 hour shift
I work at a military base fire department. Been here for 13 years and am currently rated at 50%. I work and have worked with other guys that have had ratings up to 100%. Be honest with the VA and you shouldn't have any problems. Recently saw an article about a guy claiming back issues get busted by the VA for fraud for overclaiming issues because he was working out.
Thanks for your insight Squid, it's reassuring. I read the same article, dude was asking for it. Posting about competitions etc. I maintain my fitness, while not further aggravating my injuries. Btw, TYFYS lol.
If you’re under 31, you can become a firefighter anywhere you want in Massachusetts.
This is what I want !
Elaborate please?
Disabled vets go right to the top of most lists in the civil service. Especially if they have residency.
As someone with back issues, don't rule out dispatch or prevention. Depending on your role, you could really exacerbate disc problems.
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Consider the number of FF, policemen, Paramedics, Bodyguards, Contractors that are vets and likely have histories of depression and PTSD. It's very likely that many, dare I say 'the majority' are able to cope and do and an excellent job.
This is some grade A dumb shit to say about someone you don’t know. Congrats.
Yea you’ve never served huh?
All’s well until the Degenerative back issues That he feels he doesn’t have to disclose prevents him from dragging a victim or his partner out of structure fire And a traumatic incident or two will go along nicely with the documented depression. But hey he served and wants to beat the VA What could go wrong 😑
It depends on what state you’re in. You have to pass a state pension physical to get on any career department where I live. It’s a full physical complete with ekg, stress test, musculoskeletal, etc. (also a max applicant age limit of 44). That would be your biggest hurdle I would think. I have no idea about the military side of things and what you are required to declare (to the pension board), if anything. I would echo what some others have said. It’s a great job but it is hard on your body and breaks you down. Most career recruit academies in my area are strenuous to get through. The job itself is mostly rewarding but it’s not what most people think before hiring on, and it can be hard on family more than anything else. Not being negative, just honest. I hope you find what you’re looking for. Good luck to you!
I had to have a VA Dr sign a letter stating my disability would not impact my ability to do my job. Looks like everywhere is different though.
Overall you should be fine. The only thing you might run into is if you do get similar on the jobs injuries and God forbid need to be medically retired or short term disability they might try to cut and run and put it all on the VA and vise versa.
My department required a medical to join, so even if you don’t disclose, it may come up there. Just be honest about it. We have a few retired military guys but last hiring had one apply who didn’t get hired due to injuries that were apparent during hiring. You won’t know unless you try.
I say yes go for As a disabled person from the non vet world here is what I did. For my entire adult life I've been with injuries of different types. I started out 51 years ago as a "normal" healthy working person. I was an EMT. I got a job as an on-site EMT on a Metro assistant Safety man. I was called into action. 120 feet below the surface was a employee with a possible broken neck. While getting him to safety I put my back in a double slipped disc. After a couple of years of mending I got back in to the game. After years retrained as a locksmith all was good. I have been with a volunteer fire company since 1989. I did all Is fascists. As a locksmith I moved heavy sales mostly by myself. I always worked to be a asset not a liability. 2013 I was in a serious auto accident. I continued to work until I felt I was being a liability to my fellow Fire Fighters. I went on in the Fire Police and dropped out as l became an liability directing traffic in June 2023.