LEO's and others need your opinion please

[bluejackets92fs]

Trust me, firefighter.....or EMS. Everyone will like you, you get paid well, ect, ect,

Plus you'll still be serving your community.

I don't know about you, but around here the average department pays 30-35k a year. I've seen a job posting for as high as 48k but that was City of Cincinnati. I know it's the same with police jobs right now, but the market is tanked right now for Fire, EMS or LEO positions.

As for OP. I would say stay where you are but take a few civil service exams to see where it leads you. I wouldn't quit your job to go through an academy on your dime. Most departments prefer to train you their way.

I'm kind of in your shoes about deciding the future so I know where you're at to an extent. Best of luck with your choice and with battling your illness.

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

In my area, POST certified Officers and Deputies make about $25-30 and hour. Non Certified Deputies for my agency start at $21.50, $23 by the second year. LE makes way more than EMS and Fire around here...

[williejc]

Cost of living is low in Central Texas. Waco firefighters start out in high $30s and soon hit $40s. Most municipal jobs have excellent insurance and good retirement. Remember that your diabetes may make recovery from injury more difficult. Look into risk management.

[Nightvisionary]

Trust me, firefighter.....or EMS. Everyone will like you, you get paid well, ect, ect,

Plus you'll still be serving your community.

EMS is $10-$12 an hour.

[Hootiewho]

Patrol LE in my area pay is pretty low. Start out is mid to upper 20k. I would suggest you keep your job & save up some $, then in the meantime get on as a reserve somewhere. Make sure it is for you before you jump feet first into a career like LE, as you will either love it or hate it. Plus being a reserve will help you to get to know the local guys and will definitely help in the hiring process.

[Caduceus]

EMS is $10-$12 an hour.

Yes and no. Depends what/who you work for. I agree, private ambulance company, EMT-basic is $10-12/hr. Paramedic might be around $17/hour. Hospitals run around $14 for an EMT; if they hire medics it might also be in the $17-20 range.

Then again, San Fran F.D. paramedics were offering starting pay of around $70K ... in 1997 when I got a random recruitment letter.

I know plenty of firefighters in CA making > $100/k year, with typically 1-2 OT shifts per pay period.

[Voodoo_Man]

Generally, the average income for a LEO in the US is low, much lower then it should be.

However, there are some parts (like in CA, WA, AZ and anywhere in the Northeast, NJ, NY, CT, MA, PA, DE) that LEO's make way above the national average. I make about 2x-3x what the firefighters in my area do, and around 4x what EMS does.

If you want to be a LEO, I'd highly suggest moving out to a state that will put you through their academy and won't require you to pay for it.

Also, another aspect to consider, the federal gov. I know its a long shot, especially with zerO in the oval, but with your resume, you could probably land a federal LEO gig.

[Eurodriver]

All this talk about pay is interesting.

Do you want to make money or do you want to serve?

Choose one. Not both.

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

All this talk about pay is interesting.

Do you want to make money or do you want to serve?

Choose one. Not both.

Why? Why not be able to serve and put food on a family of four's table and still live comfortably? He doesnt have to serve, but if he gives up his current life he should do it in the most economically smart way.

[aguila327]

All this talk about pay is interesting.

Do you want to make money or do you want to serve?

Choose one. Not both.

Are you taking a survey, or are you serious?

I want to serve and make as much as I can. How's that? The more I make the better.

I would guess that would go for any profession.

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