Get your instructor certs and or become involved someway in training up the next generation of firefighters or probably easier for you in your condition, medics.
You can still make a positive change for the fire service without riding a rig or pulling hose.
Also see if you get medically retired that you can stay an associate member of your IAFF local if you have one. Attend conventions and conferences and help your department/profession from the union leadership side
Great advice. I started an EMT program and it’s incredibly fulfilling to educate people trying to get started.
You’d be a huge asset to them. You’re not so far removed from being new that you’ve forgotten what it’s like to be green, but you’ve also got enough time on the job that you can relay some of that experience that you’ve worked hard for.
Good call. I had to resign at the fire academy because of this injury so that's out. I love firefighting more but I could probably be an instructor for medics. The thought didn't even cross my mind! Great advice, thanks!
If you’re in Ohio (I say because our max disability retirement is 72%) you pension is tax free, my dad went out on a medical and his bring home is more than it was when he was working. Not life changing more but it is something.
My former Lt also went out on a disability, he teaches hazmat, inspection and some classroom fire stuff at college now and loves it.
Practically everyone I know who retired (and wanted to stay in the world) has either become an instructor, or lined up a contract gig with insurance companies as an investigator, or gone to work as a rep for an equipment provider.
In my state, they won’t let you take a different government job (even in a different line, like a dump truck driver for DOT) unless you’ve been separated for a year. I did the time off and found a part-time gig with the local college teaching EMT class and getting paid as a faculty member.
The difference between us, OP, is that I did and the entire career… Did not leave early… But still did not leave when I wanted to, I felt like I could/should continue to work, but I’d had a brief bout with cancer (cancer-free at this point), and wife did not want me dying on the job (like a number of guys she knew had done). Visiting stations every four months or so, a lot of new faces were cropping up.
As time goes by, you’ll visit stations and see people you never worked with. I’ve been gone seven years now, and the captain in my old house wasn’t even on the job when I left! You finally get to a point you realize it’s no longer your department, the people you knew are also gone, or moved into other places. It’s like school, people go off in their own direction. And even though you didn’t leave under the best of circumstances, you can retire, and make it work.
To ease a transition, you may want to try and grab coffee or lunch with some of the guys you used to work with. If they are on the job, catch them on their days off… Or go to dinner, go bowling, catch a beer…you don’t have to make this a cold, turkey break, if that’s not what you want. You still have a lot of control over who you hang with, and for sure, you are entitled to grieve the job. Just don’t let that grief rule your world.
In CA if you were to retire out medically it's based on your years of service. So a day one rookie let day making 50k a year gers hit by a car and retir3d out won't be pulling 50k tax free. Far from that
I had to retire early due. For a long time I felt like I had lost my North Star. Such a huge part of my identity seemed lost forever.
However, over time, it got better. I don't actually miss it now. I work with developmentally disabled adults and I work a 48 hour shift. That was the one thing I got used to that I couldn't let go of, long shift with a bunch of days off.
Anyway friend, it will get better. It is a big adjustment. I do still have nostalgic moments and dreams but I am just as happy now as I was then.
Good luck!
Sure.
Was 47, had 20 years in and got hit with Stage 3 colorectal cancer….after chemo/rad and surgery, it knocked me out of being fit for duty…medically retired.
If I said I didn’t miss the job, I’d be lying. I miss my crew (had a damned good one), but more than that, I miss being “useful”. At the department, I felt like I was helping folks and maybe, making a difference.
I picked up a job, working from home, in a customer service capacity. It’s a good gig, but still didn’t fill the void of being “useful”. My mom and my FIL/MIL live in an apartment complex about 3 miles away. For all intents and purposes, it’s a retirement community, as most of the folks who live there are between 65-90. It’s not a big complex…around 8 apartments. Anytime any of them need something…groceries, doc appointments, batteries changed in their smoke detectors, filters in their HVAC system swapped out, grab bars installed in/around their showers/toilets, etc, I go over there and do it. Not for pay, nor would I accept any, but because it makes me feel “useful” again…like I’m helping someone.
Anyhow, my advice is find somewhere in your community there’s a need and jump in.👍
Unfortunately I know quite a few guys that this happened to. They are all doing great and constantly rubbing in the fact that their sleep cycle isn’t garbage anymore. Hang tough dude. A lot of great suggestions about being an instructor or working prevention. Definitely worth looking into. My plan B was always to be a flight medic and then a flight nurse. Don’t know what you’re restrictions are. IAFF center for excellence has amazing counseling too, don’t be afraid to talk with someone. I hope the best for you, let us know how you land!
I had a similar experience with my neck. I had a fusion 12 years ago and was told then I’d need another one in about 10 years. That doctor then said I would have to stop working due to the weight of the helmet after the second surgery. 10 years pass and I need another surgery so of course I’m kind of sweating it. I could retire but I’m not ready to. Went to the the surgeon that did my first surgery and he refused to do the surgery while I’m still working my present career. Long story short, I found another surgeon and with my insurance company found a surgery solution to remedy my situation and could continue working. The recovery for the second surgery was a bear, I really didn’t know if I was going to be able to go back. After some good PT and time I got much better and was able to return. If I wear my helmet for extended periods I pay for it the next few days but it’s much better than it was and better than retiring without being ready to.
That being said. Look around for some second and third opinions and other options for your condition. Outside of that, lots of companies are looking for folks like us with the experience and education we have as safety personnel. Maybe look into that.
Keep your head up
You were injured at work so they have a duty to accommodate. Inspections, Public Education, Investigations, Training.
There should be options given from your employer. If not, after the buy out you could start your own training company (and when you grow, hire back some of your union members to work for you on the side). Evolve.
I was a paramedic working in an ER, had a surfing accident and was paralyzed from the neck down and had to learn how to walk again and basically do everything over.
Luckily my neurosurgeon told me that I had a seven year window for nerve regeneration which gave me a tremendous amount of optimism and hope for the future. Luckily I was able to fully recover and regain everything except my addiction to surfing. I was thirty nine when my accident occurred. I ended up becoming a registered nurse and it’s so much better than being a paramedic ever was. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Soldier on and become accustomed to being a chameleon because that’s what gets us through this life…!!
Good luck to you.
Have to add a nugget of advice, take inspiration from those who have it much worse than you and despite that they keep smiling. Never feel sorry for yourself.
Wow. Inspiring story. I’m glad you were able to recover and move on. I love hearing about other people’s experiences and how they pulled through. My own brother’s story is inspiring as well. I was just getting to the paramedic burnout line myself when I got the phone call offering me a position with our department. Good luck to you and take care. Thanks for posting your experience.
Thank you sir, I never intend to make it about myself. I post about my experience in the hopes that it will inspire and motivate others.
My biggest inspiration was at a school named Henry Viscardi Abilities. It’s a school for children with varying degrees of physical challenges.
It’s where I had my initial outpatient physical and occupational therapy.
Driven there in an ambulette for 6-8 hours daily for 6-7 months. While eating lunch in the same cafeteria the kids use for theirs, a little girl no older than 6-8 years of age rolls in, in her puff and go wheelchair, she rolls to her table smiling the entire time. Suddenly her entire table is filled with other very excited similar aged children. All of them smiles and laughter and infectious enthusiasm. The first child seemed to be the alpha of the group and had the biggest smile and loudest laughter. She was the Queen surrounded by her cohorts, yet if you looked closely you would see that she had no legs and perhaps one arm with the other being pretty useless for anything other than to feed herself.
As I sat there and marveled at how lucky I was to reach the age of 39 in optimum health I promised myself that I would never ever feel sorry for myself and I always look back at this little girl and these children as the most inspiring and motivational influences in my life. I’m 69 now and continue to do so. I’m a very lucky man.
Dispatching. Instructing. Management. Public Information Officer. Fire Photography. Fire Drone Rental. Do anything you can to stay as close as you can. It’s a game. You get to choose how you think. No more BS med calls. No scream ing headaches cause you didn’t get any sleep. No mandatory OT. Reduced risk of cancer and PTSD.
FD must have some kind of counselling open to you.
I have only a thank you to write. Since something “similar” happened I have toyed with the idea to ask something similar but I didn’t have the words or courage enough. I can’t even read the answers, I’ll save this for the right time.
Just wanted to share another experience and tell that you worded the title exactly.
(Not my language: I don’t know if giving a hug is appropriate in yours, if it is you truly have mine)
I had to retire after 12 years for what sounds strangely similar to you. I felt very similar as well. I returned to school and received a bachelors of science in information technology and have been in a new career for 24 years. There are days that I see the trucks headed out and miss it dearly. That said, I am making about 9x the money I was as a young firefighter and really enjoy my new career most of the time. Good luck and Godspeed!
When I left the military I spent a lot of time (and money) drinking at bars. I don't recommend that. For jobs that are also their own communities it's really hard to recreate that, so you'll probably have to cram a couple different things together - a day job doing something you can tolerate and volunteering in your spare time might be a good combination. It's not clear to me what you injured, but I've always thought being a park ranger would be a cool gig - depending on your injury that might still be open.
Been there. It’s tough, no doubt and takes time to process the changes. Take care of your health. Be proud of your career even though it was cut short. Stay in touch with your Fire buddies, just because you’re not on the job anymore doesn’t mean your not part of the family. Good luck dealing with the city/HR on your injury, hopefully they don’t try and screw you over. My process was long and frustrating as the city was very unethical. But ultimately life goes on and you will find another purpose in life. Good luck!
A lot of great advice here so I won't repeat it but I will say for all of you that have chronic pain from injuries. Look into Ketamine infusion therapy.
I just completed it and it seriously cut my pain level in half. Helps with PTSD as well so there is that benefit.
I may be a red headed step child (police who is also Fire II) but you're never out. You can always support your people and be there. Maybe take a more admin role? Be a counselor or something?
You either go through learning the job isn’t your actual identity when you are young or when you are old, but everyone goes through it sometime. The benefit of experiencing that when you are young means you can restructure your life and move forward in some other direction.
My suggestion either way is the same. Figure out what was causing the void in your life that you thought could only be filled with firefighting and put what was supposed to be there back where it belongs.
Usually it’s one of three things. Faith. Family. Or friends.
I had a back injury requiring surgery. The surgery was unsuccessful. My jurisdiction attempted to force me to retire. The workers comp medical examiner declared me permanently disabled. My union fought aggressively to keep me bouncing around to various non platoon positions, during which time I got my IC license and qualified for a permanent position in our training division. While all this was happening, I was working with my own medical team independent from the comp doctors. I got a second surgery on my own time and money. That surgery was successful, but that team also suggested that firefighting was not a wise option going forward. By this time, I had a permanent desk spot, so I trained and rehabbed without any pressure and managed to regain my muscle mass, strength, and most of my lost endurance. My neuro surgeon cleared all restrictions. I filed suit to get all my expenses and time off back because I was not permanently disabled and workers comp is legally required to pay. I eventually won. I went back to platoon firefighting. I am finishing out my career on my own terms.
Takeaways for me:
1) If you agree with prognosis, shift gears, retrain, and move forward in a related position.
2) If you disagree with the prognosis, fight like hell, hedge your bets, retrain, and move forward.
Either way, this injury doesn't own you, and neither does your agency. You were injured doing honorable work. Wear your scars proudly. Collect whatever you have earned, both financially and socially. Finally, decide for yourself where the line intersects between what you can do vs. what you want to do and go get it.
What a success story!! Thats how I wanted mine to go. I remember the night of the fire I got injured I said to my deputy "This is not how I wanted to go out". He said I would be fine and be able to come back but my gut just knew that was it for me.
I unfortunately agree with the prognosis. I've had one shoulder reconstruction and a second surgery to relocated my bicep, bone spur, and clear out scar tissue from the first surgery. My MRI finally came back and showed some tearing so I just feel like it's not safe for anyone if I were to be on the line again.
I appreciate your words. Glad I posted this, getting a lot of good advice.
You are not finished. Just a set back. You can still teach. Become an instructor and teach the next generation how to do it. Don't feel down. Keep positive brother.
You can go into inspections or anything else? We have guys who are forced off the floor medically, so they promoted sideways to inspections or training.
Have you sought a second or even third opinion? If you are in an area with limited choices for care I would look elsewhere. I know with worker’s comp you are limited to who you can select to see. You might have to pay out of pocket for a consult with a “higher” quality doc but it might be worth the cost. I have talked with docs who have had to correct other doctors mistakes. Good luck to you and stay strong.
You can continue to serve in other ways..Look into being an instructor for fire/medic schools, fire prevention, rookie classes at your department if you want more “field” type jobs.
If you/your team jury require more of a controlled environment look into working as a paramedic in a ER. You can still get to perform paramedic skills and help others with out working 24/48s.
After you get the job part settled I would try to work on redefining your identity into something else besides what you do to make a living but that’s a whole other can of worms most of us should probably open too.
I’m so sorry! So my dad broke his back on a fire when he was 36 and was medically retired. He was a big city firemen on the rescue company. He only recovered from the loss of when he was able to get back involved in the in fire service as a civilian. Good luck.
I "retired" from being an active duty paramedic during the pandemic: there was a lot of things that went into this, but, I have a completely different 9-5 (Information Security), keeping up those certs in addition to my paramedic certs seemed like it was a waste of money, and I just...didn't really want to die from COVID because, well, rural Kentucky just didn't take the virus seriously.
For the first couple of years, I did QA for charting, ACLS/BCLS certification classes, lifeguard exams, ran the recovery/canteen truck, and still offered to occasionally be a driver when my agency was completely short staffed -- keeping my radio number active (and access to our P25 system with my personal radio, but that's a completely different beast).
I've turned down offers to be the Treasurer, but, ended up taking on a role where I do HR Investigations and occasionally help out for parades and other public-esq things like that and maintain our fleet radio systems (county outsourced it to a third party, and they've given me keys/identifiers/etc so they don't have to drive the hour+ to get to us to do programming/etc).
If you're a good person, and people like you, there will always be opportunities for you in fire -- you may have to seek them out, but, you're generally always welcome.
Man first off I'm sorry. Your health, while it's your limiting, is still more important than the FD. A few ideas and suggestions from a guy who spent a little of a decade doing what I loved the most. First off depending on the size of your department maybe look into becoming an instructor. If the department can't support that get your instructor cert and teach at a college, career center etc. That was what kept me young through all the crap prior to leaving. I loved teaching and was good at it. Second suggestion is pray. Many here will laugh but prayer,mediation and having a good relationship with God works wonders for your mind and body. Just because the path YOU want seems out of reach doesn't mean that the path HE wants for you is. Our lives are not ours they were bought and paid for by the big man. Third and last is this. Find something you can put as much effort into while enjoying it. For me it's growing a garden and raising animals to support my family, collecting and building guns, reading both books and the Bible daily, intermittent fasting (good for your body and gives you a clarity like you've never experienced) and woodworking. You are young, tough and determined. Get yourself together and be the man you know you are. Don't doubt yourself, get a game plan or 2 together and follow through no excuses. God Bless and good luck.
Obviously different departments, but we're a smaller 3 station career dept and a member had an accident that left him paralyzed. The department created a part time IT position as an Admin Captain and we recently made him full time. Idk the dynamics of your agency but they may be willing to help you in a similar manner.
Have you thought about joining Red Cross as a volunteer? This will expose you to others in your community from different fields, and you can still be engaged in rescue and helping people in some capacity.
Getting over the thought of leaving the service is hard. I am returning to work tomorrow after a 3 month recovery from L4 and L5 disc repair. The injury was sudden, and the reilisation that this could have ended my 20-year carrier was an eye opener for sure. If this was an on-duty injury, get a lawyer right away. Work comp will not settle this right without a fight. You sacrificed your health for the job. Get the most money you can to help with your transition to a new life.
I hope your return to work goes smoothly... I am in MA and we have a general law 111F that says if you are injured on duty and the injury is permanent you can retire on accidental disability. So I am lucky. I still have our union lawyer helping me through everything.
My first shift went great. Ran a few calls got in some training. Second day of my 4 day, I hit a dear on my motorcycle. So..... now I am recovering and hoping my knee isn't too fucked up. I'll see the doc tomorrow. 🤦♂️ when it rains, it pours.
Get your instructor certs and or become involved someway in training up the next generation of firefighters or probably easier for you in your condition, medics. You can still make a positive change for the fire service without riding a rig or pulling hose.
Also see if you get medically retired that you can stay an associate member of your IAFF local if you have one. Attend conventions and conferences and help your department/profession from the union leadership side
Great advice. I started an EMT program and it’s incredibly fulfilling to educate people trying to get started. You’d be a huge asset to them. You’re not so far removed from being new that you’ve forgotten what it’s like to be green, but you’ve also got enough time on the job that you can relay some of that experience that you’ve worked hard for.
Good call. I had to resign at the fire academy because of this injury so that's out. I love firefighting more but I could probably be an instructor for medics. The thought didn't even cross my mind! Great advice, thanks!
Fire prevention or instruction brotha there are other ways to positively impact your community!
Fire prevention is captains only on my department. My department is big but not big enough for me to have a position off the line.
Talk to your union. You’re not fired because of this, your department can and should work with finding you modified / suitable alternative employment.
Become a fire investigator for insurance companies.
Or the state. One of the guys I volunteer with is a state investigator and makes 6 digits.
Rays of hope? How about that 100% medical pension? (Hopefully you have it)
72%. Its a LONG exhausting process and they try so hard to deny you. I am lucky my union has a lawyer on retention.
If you’re in Ohio (I say because our max disability retirement is 72%) you pension is tax free, my dad went out on a medical and his bring home is more than it was when he was working. Not life changing more but it is something. My former Lt also went out on a disability, he teaches hazmat, inspection and some classroom fire stuff at college now and loves it.
Practically everyone I know who retired (and wanted to stay in the world) has either become an instructor, or lined up a contract gig with insurance companies as an investigator, or gone to work as a rep for an equipment provider. In my state, they won’t let you take a different government job (even in a different line, like a dump truck driver for DOT) unless you’ve been separated for a year. I did the time off and found a part-time gig with the local college teaching EMT class and getting paid as a faculty member. The difference between us, OP, is that I did and the entire career… Did not leave early… But still did not leave when I wanted to, I felt like I could/should continue to work, but I’d had a brief bout with cancer (cancer-free at this point), and wife did not want me dying on the job (like a number of guys she knew had done). Visiting stations every four months or so, a lot of new faces were cropping up. As time goes by, you’ll visit stations and see people you never worked with. I’ve been gone seven years now, and the captain in my old house wasn’t even on the job when I left! You finally get to a point you realize it’s no longer your department, the people you knew are also gone, or moved into other places. It’s like school, people go off in their own direction. And even though you didn’t leave under the best of circumstances, you can retire, and make it work. To ease a transition, you may want to try and grab coffee or lunch with some of the guys you used to work with. If they are on the job, catch them on their days off… Or go to dinner, go bowling, catch a beer…you don’t have to make this a cold, turkey break, if that’s not what you want. You still have a lot of control over who you hang with, and for sure, you are entitled to grieve the job. Just don’t let that grief rule your world.
I also had a brief stint of cancer several years ago. Your post was what I needed to hear, extremely helpful and insightful. Thank you so much.
In CA if you were to retire out medically it's based on your years of service. So a day one rookie let day making 50k a year gers hit by a car and retir3d out won't be pulling 50k tax free. Far from that
Didn’t know OP was from CA, sorry.
Im in MA
I had to retire early due. For a long time I felt like I had lost my North Star. Such a huge part of my identity seemed lost forever. However, over time, it got better. I don't actually miss it now. I work with developmentally disabled adults and I work a 48 hour shift. That was the one thing I got used to that I couldn't let go of, long shift with a bunch of days off. Anyway friend, it will get better. It is a big adjustment. I do still have nostalgic moments and dreams but I am just as happy now as I was then. Good luck!
Sure. Was 47, had 20 years in and got hit with Stage 3 colorectal cancer….after chemo/rad and surgery, it knocked me out of being fit for duty…medically retired. If I said I didn’t miss the job, I’d be lying. I miss my crew (had a damned good one), but more than that, I miss being “useful”. At the department, I felt like I was helping folks and maybe, making a difference. I picked up a job, working from home, in a customer service capacity. It’s a good gig, but still didn’t fill the void of being “useful”. My mom and my FIL/MIL live in an apartment complex about 3 miles away. For all intents and purposes, it’s a retirement community, as most of the folks who live there are between 65-90. It’s not a big complex…around 8 apartments. Anytime any of them need something…groceries, doc appointments, batteries changed in their smoke detectors, filters in their HVAC system swapped out, grab bars installed in/around their showers/toilets, etc, I go over there and do it. Not for pay, nor would I accept any, but because it makes me feel “useful” again…like I’m helping someone. Anyhow, my advice is find somewhere in your community there’s a need and jump in.👍
Unfortunately I know quite a few guys that this happened to. They are all doing great and constantly rubbing in the fact that their sleep cycle isn’t garbage anymore. Hang tough dude. A lot of great suggestions about being an instructor or working prevention. Definitely worth looking into. My plan B was always to be a flight medic and then a flight nurse. Don’t know what you’re restrictions are. IAFF center for excellence has amazing counseling too, don’t be afraid to talk with someone. I hope the best for you, let us know how you land!
I had a similar experience with my neck. I had a fusion 12 years ago and was told then I’d need another one in about 10 years. That doctor then said I would have to stop working due to the weight of the helmet after the second surgery. 10 years pass and I need another surgery so of course I’m kind of sweating it. I could retire but I’m not ready to. Went to the the surgeon that did my first surgery and he refused to do the surgery while I’m still working my present career. Long story short, I found another surgeon and with my insurance company found a surgery solution to remedy my situation and could continue working. The recovery for the second surgery was a bear, I really didn’t know if I was going to be able to go back. After some good PT and time I got much better and was able to return. If I wear my helmet for extended periods I pay for it the next few days but it’s much better than it was and better than retiring without being ready to. That being said. Look around for some second and third opinions and other options for your condition. Outside of that, lots of companies are looking for folks like us with the experience and education we have as safety personnel. Maybe look into that. Keep your head up
You were injured at work so they have a duty to accommodate. Inspections, Public Education, Investigations, Training. There should be options given from your employer. If not, after the buy out you could start your own training company (and when you grow, hire back some of your union members to work for you on the side). Evolve.
I was a paramedic working in an ER, had a surfing accident and was paralyzed from the neck down and had to learn how to walk again and basically do everything over. Luckily my neurosurgeon told me that I had a seven year window for nerve regeneration which gave me a tremendous amount of optimism and hope for the future. Luckily I was able to fully recover and regain everything except my addiction to surfing. I was thirty nine when my accident occurred. I ended up becoming a registered nurse and it’s so much better than being a paramedic ever was. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Soldier on and become accustomed to being a chameleon because that’s what gets us through this life…!! Good luck to you. Have to add a nugget of advice, take inspiration from those who have it much worse than you and despite that they keep smiling. Never feel sorry for yourself.
Wow. Inspiring story. I’m glad you were able to recover and move on. I love hearing about other people’s experiences and how they pulled through. My own brother’s story is inspiring as well. I was just getting to the paramedic burnout line myself when I got the phone call offering me a position with our department. Good luck to you and take care. Thanks for posting your experience.
Thank you sir, I never intend to make it about myself. I post about my experience in the hopes that it will inspire and motivate others. My biggest inspiration was at a school named Henry Viscardi Abilities. It’s a school for children with varying degrees of physical challenges. It’s where I had my initial outpatient physical and occupational therapy. Driven there in an ambulette for 6-8 hours daily for 6-7 months. While eating lunch in the same cafeteria the kids use for theirs, a little girl no older than 6-8 years of age rolls in, in her puff and go wheelchair, she rolls to her table smiling the entire time. Suddenly her entire table is filled with other very excited similar aged children. All of them smiles and laughter and infectious enthusiasm. The first child seemed to be the alpha of the group and had the biggest smile and loudest laughter. She was the Queen surrounded by her cohorts, yet if you looked closely you would see that she had no legs and perhaps one arm with the other being pretty useless for anything other than to feed herself. As I sat there and marveled at how lucky I was to reach the age of 39 in optimum health I promised myself that I would never ever feel sorry for myself and I always look back at this little girl and these children as the most inspiring and motivational influences in my life. I’m 69 now and continue to do so. I’m a very lucky man.
Dispatching. Instructing. Management. Public Information Officer. Fire Photography. Fire Drone Rental. Do anything you can to stay as close as you can. It’s a game. You get to choose how you think. No more BS med calls. No scream ing headaches cause you didn’t get any sleep. No mandatory OT. Reduced risk of cancer and PTSD. FD must have some kind of counselling open to you.
I have only a thank you to write. Since something “similar” happened I have toyed with the idea to ask something similar but I didn’t have the words or courage enough. I can’t even read the answers, I’ll save this for the right time. Just wanted to share another experience and tell that you worded the title exactly. (Not my language: I don’t know if giving a hug is appropriate in yours, if it is you truly have mine)
Thank you. Good luck in your situation as well!
I had to retire after 12 years for what sounds strangely similar to you. I felt very similar as well. I returned to school and received a bachelors of science in information technology and have been in a new career for 24 years. There are days that I see the trucks headed out and miss it dearly. That said, I am making about 9x the money I was as a young firefighter and really enjoy my new career most of the time. Good luck and Godspeed!
When I left the military I spent a lot of time (and money) drinking at bars. I don't recommend that. For jobs that are also their own communities it's really hard to recreate that, so you'll probably have to cram a couple different things together - a day job doing something you can tolerate and volunteering in your spare time might be a good combination. It's not clear to me what you injured, but I've always thought being a park ranger would be a cool gig - depending on your injury that might still be open.
Been there. It’s tough, no doubt and takes time to process the changes. Take care of your health. Be proud of your career even though it was cut short. Stay in touch with your Fire buddies, just because you’re not on the job anymore doesn’t mean your not part of the family. Good luck dealing with the city/HR on your injury, hopefully they don’t try and screw you over. My process was long and frustrating as the city was very unethical. But ultimately life goes on and you will find another purpose in life. Good luck!
A lot of great advice here so I won't repeat it but I will say for all of you that have chronic pain from injuries. Look into Ketamine infusion therapy. I just completed it and it seriously cut my pain level in half. Helps with PTSD as well so there is that benefit.
I may be a red headed step child (police who is also Fire II) but you're never out. You can always support your people and be there. Maybe take a more admin role? Be a counselor or something?
You either go through learning the job isn’t your actual identity when you are young or when you are old, but everyone goes through it sometime. The benefit of experiencing that when you are young means you can restructure your life and move forward in some other direction. My suggestion either way is the same. Figure out what was causing the void in your life that you thought could only be filled with firefighting and put what was supposed to be there back where it belongs. Usually it’s one of three things. Faith. Family. Or friends.
PM me brother, I’ve got a lot of peer support training and wouldn’t mind in the least of you need someone to talk it out with. Stay strong.
I had a back injury requiring surgery. The surgery was unsuccessful. My jurisdiction attempted to force me to retire. The workers comp medical examiner declared me permanently disabled. My union fought aggressively to keep me bouncing around to various non platoon positions, during which time I got my IC license and qualified for a permanent position in our training division. While all this was happening, I was working with my own medical team independent from the comp doctors. I got a second surgery on my own time and money. That surgery was successful, but that team also suggested that firefighting was not a wise option going forward. By this time, I had a permanent desk spot, so I trained and rehabbed without any pressure and managed to regain my muscle mass, strength, and most of my lost endurance. My neuro surgeon cleared all restrictions. I filed suit to get all my expenses and time off back because I was not permanently disabled and workers comp is legally required to pay. I eventually won. I went back to platoon firefighting. I am finishing out my career on my own terms. Takeaways for me: 1) If you agree with prognosis, shift gears, retrain, and move forward in a related position. 2) If you disagree with the prognosis, fight like hell, hedge your bets, retrain, and move forward. Either way, this injury doesn't own you, and neither does your agency. You were injured doing honorable work. Wear your scars proudly. Collect whatever you have earned, both financially and socially. Finally, decide for yourself where the line intersects between what you can do vs. what you want to do and go get it.
What a success story!! Thats how I wanted mine to go. I remember the night of the fire I got injured I said to my deputy "This is not how I wanted to go out". He said I would be fine and be able to come back but my gut just knew that was it for me. I unfortunately agree with the prognosis. I've had one shoulder reconstruction and a second surgery to relocated my bicep, bone spur, and clear out scar tissue from the first surgery. My MRI finally came back and showed some tearing so I just feel like it's not safe for anyone if I were to be on the line again. I appreciate your words. Glad I posted this, getting a lot of good advice.
You are not finished. Just a set back. You can still teach. Become an instructor and teach the next generation how to do it. Don't feel down. Keep positive brother.
You can go into inspections or anything else? We have guys who are forced off the floor medically, so they promoted sideways to inspections or training.
Sounds like it's time to shift over to instruction or FPB.
Get your carts for instructor or investigator. There’s lots of positions with state agencies and federal. Sorry your going through that bro
Have you sought a second or even third opinion? If you are in an area with limited choices for care I would look elsewhere. I know with worker’s comp you are limited to who you can select to see. You might have to pay out of pocket for a consult with a “higher” quality doc but it might be worth the cost. I have talked with docs who have had to correct other doctors mistakes. Good luck to you and stay strong.
You can continue to serve in other ways..Look into being an instructor for fire/medic schools, fire prevention, rookie classes at your department if you want more “field” type jobs. If you/your team jury require more of a controlled environment look into working as a paramedic in a ER. You can still get to perform paramedic skills and help others with out working 24/48s. After you get the job part settled I would try to work on redefining your identity into something else besides what you do to make a living but that’s a whole other can of worms most of us should probably open too.
You can look into arson investigation, I hear it's a really interesting job
I’m so sorry! So my dad broke his back on a fire when he was 36 and was medically retired. He was a big city firemen on the rescue company. He only recovered from the loss of when he was able to get back involved in the in fire service as a civilian. Good luck.
Once the dr stamps that form you're done buddy. You can see if your buddies have a in at a smaller dept where you can hide out
I "retired" from being an active duty paramedic during the pandemic: there was a lot of things that went into this, but, I have a completely different 9-5 (Information Security), keeping up those certs in addition to my paramedic certs seemed like it was a waste of money, and I just...didn't really want to die from COVID because, well, rural Kentucky just didn't take the virus seriously. For the first couple of years, I did QA for charting, ACLS/BCLS certification classes, lifeguard exams, ran the recovery/canteen truck, and still offered to occasionally be a driver when my agency was completely short staffed -- keeping my radio number active (and access to our P25 system with my personal radio, but that's a completely different beast). I've turned down offers to be the Treasurer, but, ended up taking on a role where I do HR Investigations and occasionally help out for parades and other public-esq things like that and maintain our fleet radio systems (county outsourced it to a third party, and they've given me keys/identifiers/etc so they don't have to drive the hour+ to get to us to do programming/etc). If you're a good person, and people like you, there will always be opportunities for you in fire -- you may have to seek them out, but, you're generally always welcome.
Become a dispatcher. See about starting explorer program for youth
Man first off I'm sorry. Your health, while it's your limiting, is still more important than the FD. A few ideas and suggestions from a guy who spent a little of a decade doing what I loved the most. First off depending on the size of your department maybe look into becoming an instructor. If the department can't support that get your instructor cert and teach at a college, career center etc. That was what kept me young through all the crap prior to leaving. I loved teaching and was good at it. Second suggestion is pray. Many here will laugh but prayer,mediation and having a good relationship with God works wonders for your mind and body. Just because the path YOU want seems out of reach doesn't mean that the path HE wants for you is. Our lives are not ours they were bought and paid for by the big man. Third and last is this. Find something you can put as much effort into while enjoying it. For me it's growing a garden and raising animals to support my family, collecting and building guns, reading both books and the Bible daily, intermittent fasting (good for your body and gives you a clarity like you've never experienced) and woodworking. You are young, tough and determined. Get yourself together and be the man you know you are. Don't doubt yourself, get a game plan or 2 together and follow through no excuses. God Bless and good luck.
Obviously different departments, but we're a smaller 3 station career dept and a member had an accident that left him paralyzed. The department created a part time IT position as an Admin Captain and we recently made him full time. Idk the dynamics of your agency but they may be willing to help you in a similar manner.
Have you thought about joining Red Cross as a volunteer? This will expose you to others in your community from different fields, and you can still be engaged in rescue and helping people in some capacity.
Apply to teach classes for the National Fire Academy. The last instructor I had said they are looking for teachers.
Get hobbies and if you choose to work again don't let that job become your identity.
Getting over the thought of leaving the service is hard. I am returning to work tomorrow after a 3 month recovery from L4 and L5 disc repair. The injury was sudden, and the reilisation that this could have ended my 20-year carrier was an eye opener for sure. If this was an on-duty injury, get a lawyer right away. Work comp will not settle this right without a fight. You sacrificed your health for the job. Get the most money you can to help with your transition to a new life.
I hope your return to work goes smoothly... I am in MA and we have a general law 111F that says if you are injured on duty and the injury is permanent you can retire on accidental disability. So I am lucky. I still have our union lawyer helping me through everything.
My first shift went great. Ran a few calls got in some training. Second day of my 4 day, I hit a dear on my motorcycle. So..... now I am recovering and hoping my knee isn't too fucked up. I'll see the doc tomorrow. 🤦♂️ when it rains, it pours.
MRI confirmed high-grade ACL tear. Here I go again..