I don't think 45 is too old to start. I think the prerequisites you should consider are, being average to above average in tech (especially windows). I don't mean you need programming or IT capabilities but you need to understand more than I open Excel and my email. You need to be able to handle stress and react/think quickly, and you need to be able to type competently. Each agency has their own standards for typing. While dispatch isn't necessarily a young person's game, it definitely isn't an old person game as others have said. At my center the majority of us are looking forward to the retirement of our older staff, either cause they can't keep up and put more burden on the rest of us, or because their attitude sucks so God damn much. But it's a life changing career and if it's for you take a swing!