I will agree with everything except that most of us do the job just for retirement and medical benefits. That just hasn't been remotely close to my experience. In fact, when we do run across "paycheck" firefighters we tend to do what we can to make their station experience less than desirable.

Those types do exist, they just aren't the norm.

Like most of you I worked my way up and ended up at a 121 operation flying DC-8s out of corrosion corner at MIA. After a couple years that experience left me thinking about other ways to make a living, and I switched careers to firefighting. Was a huuuuuge decision, and for you guys looking to go from aviation to public service don't downplay what a huge decision that is.

In my case it worked out. I work for a great department, been promoted to Lieutenant, and if the retirements work out right I'm looking at a second promotion to shift commander in the next couple of years.

Firefighting is similar to LEO in that we have set schedules and usually pretty stable incomes and benefits. Both careers are very challenging, both have changed a lot since 9/11, and both have their good and bad times.

In the northeast getting hired for firefighting jobs is incredibly competitive, as they are in California from what I have heard. It isn't a guarantee you'll get hired just because you want too. I would argue it is as competitive as getting hired by a major, having been through both experiences.

In the end I love what I do. Being in command of an engine company is pretty damned similar to being in command of an aircraft. Both involve a high degree of judgment and decision making and crew coordination. I would only have left aviation for firefighting.

I will hit my 25 years and get my pension at 54. My 121 days are almost certainly over. However, with a pension to fall back on I would happily transition back to aviation in another capacity. If nothing else it leaves me with a lot of options.

Someone asked what was more dangerous, LEO or airline flying. Without question LEO. They have about 150 line of duty deaths a year. There are about 100 LODDs in the fire service. Firefighters have also been found to be 30-35% more at risk for many cancers than the general population. On Monday I was one of about 4,000 firefighters who were at the funeral for a Hartford FF who was killed last week in a building fire. Standing at attention and saluting a casket and a fatherless family will certainly make you think.

Point to ponder. At the funeral Monday there were firefighters there from Detroit, Chicago, DC, LA, Toledo, and from departments from MD to ME. They flew, they drove, they gave up time with their families to say goodbye to someone they never met. It's not all about the benefits and work schedule.

Both firefighting and LEO are more than just a paycheck. Nobody shoots at you and you aren't going to get caught in a flashover while doing a primary search for victims when you are sitting ready reserve.

Ups and downs for each career.

Good luck to you. I hope that you find a job that you love as much as I do mine. Makes life a lot easier.