Texas Officials Advocate for Changes to Firefighter Age Limit
For many military service members, transitioning to civilian life means finding a new purpose after years of discipline, leadership, and hands-on experience. Yet for some, one significant obstacle stands in their way—age restrictions on firefighter recruitment.
Mayor Pro Tem John Holmes, City Manager Sam Listi, and Fire Chief Jon Fontenot of Belton traveled to the Texas House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee to advocate for House Bill 1985, a proposed change in the state’s civil service firefighter hiring requirements. The bill, filed by Rep. Hillary Hickland, aims to raise the maximum age for firefighter applicants from 36 to 45, opening doors for those who may have previously been excluded.
Fontenot highlighted the potential benefits of the bill, particularly for veterans from military installations like Fort Cavazos. He pointed out that many service members leave the military in their late 30s and early 40s, bringing extensive leadership and crisis-response skills that directly apply to firefighting.
“We have highly trained individuals stepping out of service ready to apply their expertise in ways that benefit our communities,” Fontenot told lawmakers. “Yet because of an arbitrary age cap, some of the most experienced candidates are turned away before they even get a chance.”
City Manager Listi pointed to statistics that reinforce the recruiting limitations posed by the current law. While 62% of Belton police officers have a military background, only 37% of firefighters share that experience, suggesting that age restrictions could be deterring qualified candidates from pursuing firefighting careers.
While some lawmakers raised concerns about physical fitness standards, Fontenot assured the committee that today’s fire departments implement rigorous assessments and ongoing training to ensure all personnel meet necessary performance standards, regardless of age.
Not everyone supports the bill. The Texas State Association of Firefighters argued that individual cities can already modify firefighter age limits locally through the meet-and-confer process. However, Fontenot countered that the state-wide expansion of eligibility would provide a more equitable solution while still allowing departments to set stricter requirements if desired.
As HB 1985 remains under consideration, the debate underscores a broader conversation on workforce accessibility and how the public safety sector can better utilize experienced professionals seeking to serve their communities. For veterans and other career changers, this bill may offer not just a new job but a renewed sense of purpose.
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