Originally Posted by
bullmechum
I transitioned from a regional to law enforcement about three years ago. No real regrets. Sure I sometimes reflect on my high school career dream of being a wide body captain with two overseas trips a month, auto pilot on, FA in one hand, mint julep in the other and 300K annually but I think those days have passed. I am fortunate to be flying full time with an aviation section in a state agency. The “make a difference “ aspect is certainly there. Whether you find a lost boater or provide air support to a team serving a high risk warrant, it’s rewarding. I enjoy being home most every night and the take home police interceptor with a trunk full of guns is a bonus.
One extremely important factor is the high risk of OTJ Trauma and the extreme wear and tear on an officer's body during a 20+ year law enforcement career.
I've seen active officers, i.e. Spec Ops, OCONUS tours, Gym Rats etc. that have aliments such as knee replacements, Spinal DDD and arthritis at ages <45 and "other" stress related issues.
So an Aviation Flying Career will minimize the above accelerated wear and tear issues.
Just a thought.