Quote Originally Posted by Pax View Post
It's too bad they've lowered the requirements. When I was a boot I had to meet the same requirements as the males.

That being said, the tests were, in many cases, not representative of what firefighters actually do so some revision could have helped level the testing field. For example, doing pull-ups is a strongly male dominant test, they pass, many women don't. Does it really show if you can do the job?? No. A test where you have to retrieve a 180lb. dummy and remove it from a hazardous situation, does.

When I graduated from the academy there were less than 100 female professional firefighters in the world (1983), it was a very rough road to the department... but I'd do it again in a heartbeat, best job ever.
That's the test they take-not pull ups, but drags and carrys. Running up stairs with a hose. It is sad that they lowered the physical standards. If it were me, I wouldn't want a job that I knew I couldn't perform, just in the name of being equal.
My husband trained for months to pass the exam. Weighted vest, ran up bleachers. Miles and miles of them. Crazy stuff.
It IS the best job ever. I was a volunteer in Rescue for years (EMT, stuff like that) I loved it. Best job I've ever had, and I did it for nothing. I'd do it again in a heart beat if I had the time.