As a resident who remembers what it was like when the Sumter County section of the Villages was served by the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department, I am extremely thankful for the Public Safety department that was formed and has grown since its inception. We are fortunate to have this wonderful group of caring, highly skilled professionals that are second to none. Having said that, I think it might be helpful to consider how many applicants there have been for the jobs that have been created due to expansion. How many individuals have been promoted and I would assume have had their salaries increased since the department started? In our economy over the last 10 years how many have been laid off or felt that they did not have job security?
I think it is fair to also ask, how many are able to work second jobs because of the work schedules they have in the department? Some might think it is unfair that people have to work second jobs, but ask teachers who find summer employment and young couples who are willing to take on additional employment to enable them to save for home and car purchases in this economy. This is not unique to the Fire/EMS profession. Ask the folks who chose to serve in the military what kind of salary they receive.
No doubt there are some areas in the US where police and fire employees can put in their 20, earn substantial salaries and enjoy great pensions with medical benefits. The simple fact is, those kinds of jobs are not here, but are in areas where $500k buys you a small home with some big real estate taxes, second rate schools and real long commute times.
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