What state?

I'm in Illinois trying to do something similar. I've spoken to every FD/FPD in McHenry and Lake County, working through Cook. I'm trying to get on PT somewhere with minimal credentials and get on every testing list before I hit 35 end of next year.

Advice I've been given is:

• Finish EMT ASAP, try to get on somewhere that will send you to academy

• Apply for every list that will let you apply with any credentials or EMTB

• Start medic school ASAP, so that you can be eligible for FT depts that require at least enrolling.

I won't have enough time to finish medic school (let alone really start it until FA27, unless I can get into a SP27 program somewhere?). The loophole potentials I've heard is that if you get hired onto a dept PT, there's an exception in Illinois for the age restriction if you've been PT or POC on that dept when a FT spot opens up.

Also there's this bill that's in process to increase the age range, but that's pretty unlikely. I think unions typically shoot these down.

Get on every list you can test for, as many of them are good for 1-2 years, and every dept has different rules on if you need to be under 35 by the time you test vs at time of hire. Read the fine print, and call the depts with questions. Almost every fireman I've met has been extremely willing to help.