ATTN: FireMedics and LEO's

[Brandon]

Just looking for some advice:

Im a political science/criminal justice major at the moment. I want to go into law enforcement one way or another. But I've always had an interest in doing some sort of Fire dept work also (like part time). Is it worth going through all the classes and all of that to do this? Or should i just stick with my major? Help.

[thomaseweber]

Hell i have done the volunteer firefighting for about 7 years now and wouldn't change it for anything. i have done EMS work for 3 years as well. the schooling in pa is not that bad.

[Brandon]

The cost here to take classes is bout 1600 for emt and fire basic

[thomaseweber]

damn well the company i run with pays for all your training. look into volunteer companies at first and they will more than likely get you your training and pay for it

[Midnightmoon]

Just shy of 20 years as a Firefighter/Medic both paid and volunteer. I learned quite a bit as a young person, not only about the emergency services, but about myself. It is a difficult but very rewarding path in life and some find that it isn't for them long term. If you are thinking about a career in any emergency department, I highly recommend getting out there and doing some work as a volunteer in a Fire Company or EMS service. If nothing else, it will allow you to get your feet wet in that line of work and give you the opportunity to experience that type of life first hand.

[Brandon]

Yea I understand, even volunteer needs 36 hours of training

[seanj]

I have done all three. I was a volunteer fireman, a paramedic, and now a police officer. If you are interested there are still some departments were you work as a public safety officer and do all three. Keep in mind it is a lot of continuing education to maintain certifications in all three but could be very rewarding. It also might be a break from doing the same thing all the time. Unfortunately I let my paramedic license go when I moved and would have to start all over.

[tekrsq]

I also have had the opportunity to be a part of all 3 over the last 26 years...all in a paid, urban system. Midnightmoon has it right. All 3 are totally different experiences, all rewarding in their own way, and none easy or for the faint at heart. I can tell you, for me, riding the firetruck (as a strictly a firefighter) was the best time I ever had. In some areas, (like mine), you can be all 3 at the same time, but keeping up with the training is a nightmare. I let my paramedic license go several years ago also, because of that. But as an arson investigator, I still get to be a fireman and a cop. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on !!!!

[eclifford634]

Going on year 3 in law enforcement. I truly believe I have the best job in the world.

We work side by side with a FD/EMT facility and they seem to have an amazing job as well. If you like $$$ and going to calls where people like you and are happy to see you when you show up then go into the FD/EMT field.

If you like mediocre pay, solving peoples life long caused problems in 5 minutes and driving fast then go into LE.

Whichever you end up going into, schooling is worth it and will only further you opportunity to advance in the field. As a LEO I end up at calls before the meat-wagon arrives and only wish I had the EMT background as well.

Good Luck!

[task125]

do the vol.dept. first to get a taste to see if you really want to do this.or figure out what branch of ems/fire/police you enjoy doing.
I was a vol.at 17 and liked the fire part of the job.not the medical part.
my father was a cop and said be a fireman.
I am a paid firefighter now 21 years we don't do medical calls just fires/jaws and other type emergency calls. I love it but the job has changed and state is attacking our pension and manpower to handle calls.20 guys just got layoff slips last week.good luck and do what you love to do.Theres nothing like getting paid for a job that you would do for free.