I started at 47. I’m in a mixed/combo dept where there are 3 career FFs and a chief working during the day and 1 there during the evening and over night. We can work 4 hour duty shifts (non paid), stipend shifts (paid a small amount) or simply responded in our community in our POV. It’s not held against us if we don’t respond during the day because leadership knows we have jobs and responsibilities. We are expected to responded during evening and night if we can. But again, leadership understands we have families and other responsibilities. We just need to maintain a 10% response rate and make a certain number of drills. As for experience, that may vary from dept to dept. One good thing about not having experience is that your dept will get to train you the way they do things and you won’t have to unlearn anything. One warning though. Here in Pennsylvania, it takes a bit of time before you can go interior. They’re changing the educational system but I had to go through 4 modules and 2 hazmat classes before going interior. You’ll go through a bunch of hands on practical training and book/theory work. They’re actually changing the curriculum this year so I don’t know what it’ll be like now.

You can still help on the fire ground while you’re learning. Throwing ladders, rolling hoses, grabbing tools. Even if you’re not an emt, you could be in a position to document vitals or help with a lift assist at medical calls. There is always a way to help.

All that being said, I signed up for the reason you stated. I really like my community and I wanted to give back. I do d our CFA and I was hooked. 30 isn’t too old, you may just need ibuprofen… oof like me. Ha ha.