If you use the link that provided the $28K for FL firefighters, it shows that The Villages average for firefighters is $30K.

The $67K average for FL is not just for firefighters. It is also includes EMT and paramedics.

One explanation for the low average for firefighters would be if there are a number of part time firefighters. Their annual salaries would obviously bring down the average.

----Just trying to live up to my title as "Average Guy."

My son in-law works as a ff/medic in Polk County. He told me that he gets 49k as a base salary and he has been with them for 10 years. I read that report on Indeed.com and further down it states the same pay. 49k. All firefighters in The Villages have to become EMTs at a minimum. So their starting pay will be less than the 49k. But that seems to be about the norm in the county and small dept pay scale. Large cities like Orlando or Miami or Tampa probably pay more.

My guess regarding pensions is that a FF/EMT with TV receives TV retirement plan. It pales in comparison to the state pension fund for FF, teachers or other public employees. This is the same reason many teachers work for TV for a period of time but then return to the state plan.

And yes, I know for a FACT that TV 401K is week comparatively. Spouse has TV, I have state.

Like many other positions here, the benefits (mainly the Charter School) outweigh the lower salary for so many TV employees. Can't say that is the right thing, but it does seem to be THE thing.[/QUOTE]

Have been through the negotiation process with them, you 100% accurate on this point. They will make the statement that "we pay a competitive salary with surrounding areas when you consider our "benefits" not found elsewhere. Not saying it's good or bad, but if a parent's focus is only on the school, they have less to bargain with....

Only job I know of that pays a guy while he sleeps...

ER doctors in small hospitals. add that to your list.

Marion County having same problem
 

Where is the smiley face? Or are you being serious?

There's your answer:

Firefighter/EMT

VILLAGES PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
3035 MORSE BOULEVARD
THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA 32163

Updated: March 20, 2014

Classification: Firefighter/EMT

Villages Public Safety Department is currently hiring for Firefighter/EMT. National Testing Network (NTN) FireTEAM and a valid CPAT are required for this position. All testing must be completed by April 14, 2014.

Salary Information: $30,900

So this is low comparatively, especially without the state retirement.

Have not needed the services of either, but my impression is both groups are great. The firemen did an amazing job on the Pinellas' fire. My hat is off to both groups.

Well, against my better judgement, I will post. I should bite my tongue, but sometimes I find it hard to.

In my previous life, I was a carrier firefighter/medic/EMS Instructor in New York State. (IAFF Union Local 896).

I loved my job. I think I was paid well, but there were days where I earned my whole pay in 5 minutes. I did and saw things most could not or would not do. I've pulled folks out of burning buildings, cut people out of unrecognizable vehicles, pushed drugs and IV's into people trying to keep them alive, etc,etc.

I loved my job. I worked crazy hours, holidays, etc. Missed birthday parties, etc.....no complaints, as it was the career I chose and I knew the deal.

Yes, I slept at night.....sometimes. There were also nights when I did not, going to one call after another. When a firefighter sleeps, it is always a light sleep. You go from pillow to turnouts in less then a minute, and out the door driving to a fire in less then a minute. You instantly know the address, where it is and the best way to get there. Where to park the rig, where the hydrants are, etc,etc.

It was a great job, as no two days were the same.

So..now I'm retired with a good firefighter pension. I move to Florida. I find out my taxes and cost of living are much less down here. I also meet the local firefighter's and medics. I see many of them are Paramedics. Good. I see they make way less then I did. Sad.

I see my taxes are way less then they were in NY. I guess that is good.....but I'm also smart enough to know that as I get older, my chances of needing a good Paramedic/EMS crew goes up significantly.

So......I think I will support the firefighters and the EMS service and law enforcement.....I KNOW I'll need them some day, and I want them to earn a good living wage. If my taxes need to go up to do that....it's fine with me.

As to the volunteer comment, I support and respect volunteers. I taught hundreds of them and made them EMT's, etc. The fact of the matter is that there is no "free lunch". With the huge population here and the volume of calls, you NEED a paid department. Be careful what you wish for.

The way I see it, a good fire and EMS department is more important then a lot of places money goes down here.....many times the folks who complain about these essential services always seem to find money for going out to that fancy restaurant, greens fees, that new driver, etc, etc. Where are the priorities?

Anyway, sorry for the long post. I know I should stick to answering home inspection questions. I hope I did not offend anyone. When looking at the current state of the world, we are all very blessed.

Respectfully, Frank

Bump


I trust Bogie's post. He is a good researcher.
Firefighter EMT Paramedic Salary in The Villages, FL

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In USD as of Jun 26, 201440k80k120kFirefighter EMT Paramedic in The Villages, FL

$67,000 http://www.indeed.com/images/salary/bar_high.gif

Average Firefighter EMT Paramedic salaries for job postings in The Villages, FL are 1% higher than average Firefighter EMT Paramedic salaries for job postings nationwide.

Frank, exactly what would you like me to know, in a nutshell?

Mr. Frank

#1. Thank you for not biting your tongue. [it saved a 911 call ;-) ]

#2. Thank you for your service to our society.

#3. Thank you for selecting TV........I am honored you are here and hope to meet you some day.

#4. Thank you for your post.

#5. Like teachers, we owe these Teams our respect and support.

Thank you Mr. F.

:bigbow: