The Benefits of a First
Responder Career
Police officers, firefighters and paramedics are among the most respected professions in America. Becoming an emergency responder is one of the most satisfying career paths you can take. You’ll contribute to society, protect lives, help people in need and fight crime. You’ll receive benefits like performance bonuses and pension plans that are unavailable anywhere else in the private sector.
Perks
Perks in law enforcement can be extensive. All police departments provide the basic benefits such as health, dental, sick leave, holiday pay and overtime. Most departments also offer tuition reimbursement, education pay, second language pay, speciality pay (detectives, special ops, K-9) and shift differential. Equipment reimbursement and take home cars can also be a great benefit. These perks are becoming more plentiful as competition for job applicants increases.
Pensions
Pensions are a regular payment made during a person’s retirement from an investment fund to which that person or their employer has contributed during their working life.
Although pensions have become obsolete in the private sector, this is probably the biggest benefit available to officers. Depending on the department, officers are able to retire as early as 20years with maximum benefits at 35years. Most departments also offer a Deferred Comp plan and retiree health benefits to enhance retired life.