Police career or firefighter?

Question

My husband is thinking about changing professions but wants to stay in a service type of career. Anyone work or know someone who works as a firemen? Both my parents are police officers, so I'm sure their perspective may be a little biased. What's the pros and cons of both?

Thanks!

Answer

My husband is a firefighter and I love it.  There is a brotherhood with firefighters that you couldn't find anywhere else.  You gain a whole new family who will be there for you when you need it the most.  The down side is the danger and risks they take everyday, but that is there with police too and the 24hr shifts but the plus to that, is that he only works 10days a month which means more time off together :)

Answer

Firemen tend to be more appreciated and seen as trustworthy. Both jobs are hard. Both can be physically, mentally and emotionally taxing. My father was a cop and his family received death threats because of it. But it can be incredibly rewarding as well. I do feel that there is a sense of power that comes with being a cop, and thus cops are more likely to be corrupt.

Answer

Being a firefighter is way more respectable if you're living in the US.

Answer

Even though both jobs can be dangerous and I don't know your location, police are not the most popular people these days.

Answer

Law enforcement would seem like gratifying work. I would have but I didn't think I could be a mom & a cop.

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My brother used to be a CIRT police officer (critical incident response team). He would be the one they call in terrorist situations, suicides or violent crimes. He loved the job but the pay wasn't that great and they don't get paid overtime. (There was a lot of overtime!).

He has just finished training to become a firefighter and he is really enjoying it a lot more than being a policeman. The lifestyle suits him better and they look after fireys very well here in Australia.

Answer

My husband is a firefighter. Along with my dad and both of my brothers. They absolutely love their job. It's tough work, but also very rewarding.

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I was a firefighter for a couple years it's very rewarding work but it's emotionally very hard and you spend nights and days away from family and if called on wild land you're gone for weeks. I'm married to a military man so I'm used to distance but most don't handle it well.

Answer

I'm a firefighter; he needs to be clear on the amount of time and work it takes to enter this career. Depending on what state you live in (I'm in cal) most departments require a paramedic license and even if they don't, it's a good idea to go to medic school to make yourself more "hireable". Medic school is 9mos-1 year. He does have to be an EMT-B at least and gain some experience in that field. He should start doing ride alongs and create connections within the fire service. He should also go to a "basic fire academy" which is usually around 16 weeks. Good luck to him! He can go to any local department and they would be happy to answer any questions.

Answer

I'm a paramedic/firefighter, I know a lot of police officers who are also firefighters and most everyone I work with is both.