I wanted to share my recent application experience for those of you looking for some insight, especially if you’re making a big life change.
A little background: After almost 10 years in sales/sales management, I decided to switch careers. I also recently lost 50lbs and completely overhauled my lifestyle. I dove headfirst into researching every step of the application process, from the physical tests to the chief’s interview.
My biggest challenges were a past bankruptcy and my fitness level. I worked incredibly hard and managed to pass the board interview, the physical agility test, and the thorough background check, including the in-home interview.
Unfortunately, I was eliminated at the final doctor’s physical.
The frustrating part? The Bruce stress test. They required a 10-hour fast, but due to scheduling, I ended up fasting much longer. I asked multiple people what to expect, but no one gave me clear answers until right before the test. While I know I should have been able to push through, my body just failed me. My cardio was good, but my legs gave out. I was literally 50 seconds away from being hired, and I just couldn’t complete it.
It’s tough because I put so much effort into this, especially overcoming my past hurdles. It feels like a punch in the gut to be stopped at the very end.
I wanted to share this experience in case anyone else is going through a similar journey or has questions about the doctor’s physical.
Ask me anything about the process, my experience, or anything else!
Comments
Sorry to hear man. That’s a tough break
For sure sucks but if you couldn’t get through that there’s no way you’d survive an academy
Was this your first application? If so, don’t get discouraged. When I first applied I was denied at least three times back in 2016. It takes time and you get better every time.
How can they tell if you fasted
How long were you on the treadmill for the Bruce test?
Dude its a reality check
Ever seen the episode of Southland where Officer Sherman is chasing a perp up to a rooftop? and his FTO cant make it to the top because his back is weak and he cant run good anymore?
Partner almost gets killed being in a fight with a perp for 5 minutes after running 10 flights and jumping a gap. After they are done he scolds him for failing completely and totally on backing him up. He literally could not climb the fence. Comical. Of course his situation was different because he got an on duty hernia. But the analogy remains relevant.
Remember you legs/hips/core arent just for running they are also critical in the overall strength required to handcuff a suspect, wrestle a suspect, strike a perp if need be to defend yourself.