Will you please help me?

Question

I asked this quesiton once already, but only a few people responded. I really need some opinions, that is why i am asking again.

I am torn between becoming a Police Officer and a Firefighter. I am a 19 year old female. I am very interested in both of these, but do not know which one to choose. I know a little about each, but your input can help me a lot.

Any information you have on either of these would be great, For example:
Salaries, benefits, work schedules...etc.

If you yourself are either of these, is it worth it? Do you wake up every day and ENJOY going to work? Which one do you think would be best for me?

Please, any information would really help.

I appreciate your time,

Thank you :)

PS
I am in South Florida

Answer 1

Any information you have on either of these would be great, For example:
Salaries, benefits, work schedules...etc.



I'm not going to offer you my opinion, because I think both careers are great. I'm personally aiming to become a police officer. But, thanks to the Occupational Handbook, I can show you the earnings, benefits, and other things of both careers. Take a look if you want.

Policeman
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos160.htm

Fireman
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos158.htm

Answer 2

As a firefighter paramedic I am a bit biased. My advice ride alongs. fill out the paperwork and do ride aongs with both. most departments allow for ride alongs. that way you can see first hand what goes on.
Both jobs are civil service and they both serve their local municipalities. They both help people in different ways and both are part of a brotherhood that is larger than the job itself.
As a firefighter you will a few 24hr shifts. you live at the firehouse in other words. you might work 3 days and be off 4 that is how it is here. A police officer doesnt work 24 hour shifts but they might work 2 shifts and be off for 2-4.
Both are dangerous jobs that are paid (perhaps not enough) Firefighters respond to almost any emergency call whereas a police officer doesnt respond to a fire.

Oh and yes I love my job! I wake up every day excited that that day is going to be something new and exciting. There is never a routine day. I cant wait to help people because that is why I do what I do.

I hope this helps

Answer 3

Both are very demanding and dangerous jobs. My husband is a firefighter and loves it. Getting on at a bigger department pays more than a smaller department. As it stands, most firefighters and cops are underpaid everywhere. Most departments require a firefighter to be an EMT or paramedic because you DON'T just "do" fires, you do alot of EMS on the ambulance, too. Work schedules are normally 24 hrs on and 48 hrs off, unless mandatory overtime is expected. This usually affects rookies more than guys that have been there for a while. Being a firefighter is physically demanding and training is hard. Most of the fire academies here in Texas cost about $1200-$1500. EMT school ranges from $800-$1500 and you have to do an internship. Go on ride outs with a fire department and a police department. Both professions are very noble., but underappreciated. Good luck sweetie! If you have any more specific questions, you can email me.

Answer 4

Well littleone, why not be BOTH? At your age you can be a fireman but not a cop till your 21. So get into the fire service for now and when you turn 21 get into the PD/SO reserves and see what you think. I have done both and still do and yes I still enjoy what I do. But I have worked for departments that were terrible so you have to find one where you "fit". You will have more time off in the fire department but both do shift work. If you don't like working weird schedules try being a school teacher {7-4 Monday- Friday with summers off} but if your an adrenalin junkie go after both of these options and see where it leads. I use some of my vacation time every year to do out of state wild land fires also and since I'm a "separate entity" specialist it makes great money and gives me a change of pace.

Answer 5

I had the same question myself many years ago!

At the last minute I went by the fire station and didn't see a lot going on so I ultimately chose law enforcement.

If I had to do it again, todays firefighter is more trained to not only fight fires but save lives through the paramedic programs.

Traditionally, cities pay firefighters and medics more than law enforcement but you should decide on which profession is truely in your heart.

These two specific professions are extremely demanding but law enforcement takes more "heat" from the public because we put people in jail on top of helping stranded motorists, find lost children, assist in marital matters, get shot at, and second guessed for every decision we make in a split second.

My suggestion is you go to your local police and fire department and talk with the people there in person. You may be surprised at the advise they can give you!

Best wishes.

Answer 6

I love my job, I wake up in the morning and can't wait to go to work! I have been a police officer going on eight years, I wouldn't trade it for anything! Your career choice is really up to you. Weigh the pros and cons of BOTH jobs. Most police officers I know, and Firefighters all work rotating shifts. Our benefits could be better (but who's couldn't) and the salary isn't that great, but I will tell you this....none of us started this job in law enforcement to become rich or famous. I'm sure firefighters didn't either. It's a job where you rarely get a thank you or pat on the back...but it is a job that makes my son proud of me and gives me a sense of accomplishment. Good luck to you in your decision....just remember....God made police officers so firemen would have hero's....(KIDDING!)

Answer 7

They are both amazing jobs!! What mostly counts is your input because your going too go to the academy for which ever one you choose. Remember each job involves great communication skills. Especially being a police officer you MUST BE ABLE TOO HANDLE PEOPLE WITH MENTAL PROBLEMS IN ANY SITUATION. Police officers and Firefighters risk their own lives EVERY DAY!! Which I am sure you are well enough aware.
Police officers are more independant yet when you first start out you have a partner with you at all times. When you are a firefighter you are always no matter what TOGETHER!!! Police officers need too be good at communication,awareness,physical fitness,and most of all THEY NEED TO BE GOOD DRIVERS..!!! Firefighters need to be good at Physical things like running,etc. they also are called too help out with the E.M.S squad so it is alwaysgood too be prepared. From my perspective I would choose a police officer because I know I am good at communicating!! Thats big for me..BUT ITS UP TOO YOU SIT DOWN AND TALK WITH YOUR FAMILY FRIENDS WHOEVER AND LOOK AT THE POSTIVES AND THE NEGATIVES OF EACH JOB!! They are both GREAT GREAT GREAT jobs!!!!!! Remember too be ready for both academies and enter them with pride and YOU MUST BE FIT FIT FIT!!!!!
Of which ever you choose!!!!! GOOD LUCK GOD BLESS !!!!

-Educated student (future police officer)

Answer 8

Lack of time prevents me from listing numerous reasons, but I would suggest you become a Police Officer. Benefits, etc. are pretty much the same. These types of jobs are really vocations. It's not just a job for those who serve. Good luck.

Answer 9

It's very difficult to give you such an important advise without knowing you. I would say the best solution would be to talk to someone in both areas and find out exactly how your normal day of work would be and what kind of duties you would have to do. I think this could help you make up your mind.

Answer 10

I HAVE BEEN IN L/E FOR 42 YEARS. RETIRED IN SEPT 07 AND HAVE NEVER BEEN UNEMPLOYED.
I HAVE BEEN IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT FIELD. PATROL, NARCOTICS, DETECTIVES, JAIL, PRISON.
I HAD WORKED IN WASHINGTON STATE (21) AND IN ALABAMA.(21)
L/E WORK IS GEARED TO A FAST PACED FIELD. MY DAUGHTER HAS FOLLOWED IN MY FOOTSTEPS AND HAS BEEN IN THIS FIELD SINCE 1987.
FIRE FIGHTERS ARE A HIGHLY DEFINED FIELD ALSO. I ONLY KNOW OF A FEW FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS BECAUSE OF THE STRESS AND PHYSICAL ENDURANCE INVOLVED.
CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES ABOUT APPLICATIONS, PROCESS AND SALARY AS IT DIFFERS BASED UPON AREA SIZE, TAXES GARNERED FROM THE AREA SERVED.