Originally Posted by Bizdoc (Post 899568)

Was it for a Villages employee *or* someone with Rural/Metro or one of the other ambulance services? Given that R/M is in financial problems, I would not be surprised at them paying employees very little. Of course, that hasn't lowered the fees that they charge patients.

Originally Posted by Bizdoc (Post 899514)

As many of you have noticed (and some commented upon), I'm not always exactly nice in all of my comments. I say this because I'm sure that I will irritate a few folks with what I have to say.

I think part of what villagesff if trying to tell you is that "thank you for your service" is nice, but it rings hollow when the next line is something like "and why are you being paid so much to sleep, read comic books, and do nothing..." And, I understand that feeling. Kind of like saying "well, you got paid to sleep in that foxhole, didn't you?"

Men and women who become firefighters do so because the things that make them tick. They don't do it for glory or to get rich. That having been said, they are very aware that they pay for what they do each day with their bodies. When their bodies are used up, we thank them and send them off into the sunset. Except that they still have families and themselves to support and not many jobs are out there for banged up retired firemen. (and for those of you who think that is silly, ask a retired soldier why you don't see 60 year old infantrymen. In the old days, that is exactly what used to happened to old soldiers and sailors - they served until they were too broken down to do anything.)

Saying thanks is nice. What would be nicer would be to write the CDD folks and express that maybe we need to provide better retirement options or longevity pay increases. Stop by and drop off some home baked cookies or muffins or whatever with a note that says "I sleep better at night because I know you folks have my back." When your club or organization is looking for a project, consider doing something for the children of our firefighters.

And don't jump on one that speaks from their heart. Be grateful that he or she has the courage to do so.

Originally Posted by PennBF (Post 899611)

It is amazing that some believe $575 a week is a livable rate for a small family. It is also amazing that some believe the answer is for them to get a second job if they want enough to live on. Let's hope this is in the minority and that more believe in a livable wage for these great public servants. We pay millions to make sure the landscape is pretty but ignore these needs. What has ever happened to our values??:o

Originally Posted by Bizdoc (Post 899514)

As many of you have noticed (and some commented upon), I'm not always exactly nice in all of my comments. I say this because I'm sure that I will irritate a few folks with what I have to say.

I think part of what villagesff if trying to tell you is that "thank you for your service" is nice, but it rings hollow when the next line is something like "and why are you being paid so much to sleep, read comic books, and do nothing..." And, I understand that feeling. Kind of like saying "well, you got paid to sleep in that foxhole, didn't you?"

Men and women who become firefighters do so because the things that make them tick. They don't do it for glory or to get rich. That having been said, they are very aware that they pay for what they do each day with their bodies. When their bodies are used up, we thank them and send them off into the sunset. Except that they still have families and themselves to support and not many jobs are out there for banged up retired firemen. (and for those of you who think that is silly, ask a retired soldier why you don't see 60 year old infantrymen. In the old days, that is exactly what used to happened to old soldiers and sailors - they served until they were too broken down to do anything.)

Saying thanks is nice. What would be nicer would be to write the CDD folks and express that maybe we need to provide better retirement options or longevity pay increases. Stop by and drop off some home baked cookies or muffins or whatever with a note that says "I sleep better at night because I know you folks have my back." When your club or organization is looking for a project, consider doing something for the children of our firefighters.

And don't jump on one that speaks from their heart. Be grateful that he or she has the courage to do so.

Originally Posted by villagesff (Post 899615)

hello again and I apologize that this may be long, but on the good side it will be the last you here from me. I start off to apologize if anyone took my message negatively. I never stated anything bad about working for the FD and wanted to state only the factual pay(which is for a 52 hour work week)

I never complained about the pay. Which is lower than many depts. The reason I work in this place is I love the area I work in. I meet so many insanely interesting people and people I respect so much like the veterans I see at Honor Flight and other events. I am in awe of these people that have served and defended us. I get so many thank yous and some of the most crazy delicious cookies from residents you cant stay on a diet. I and the others are dedicated and work hard to be there in your times of need.
We will always be there for you.

What I don't like are people who constantly complain about people who "sleep at work" or bankrupt cities with the pensions.

We have many people that have higher education and special training and it takes time to become good at your job. I get tired of seeing good people leave. It is a complex issue and many people are working hard to fix the problem. I do believe Mrs Tutt and the admin staff are hard working and doing there best and they do a good job of managing the Villages and its departments.

If you want to complain go ahead but who do you think I work for, they are not tyrants. They wont fire me for having an opinion. they are not secret police who will track me down. I have said nothing wrong or untrue

I will always be there when you need me even if you are one of the few haters.

And to all the others, thank you for your support and caring about us enough to bring this up

Originally Posted by memason (Post 899716)

Well, I am perfectly happy when these guys get paid to do absolutely nothing!

When they are doing nothing, that means they're not needed to save someone's life or put out a house fire.

Think about that....

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 898814)

Source of the following information:
Firefighter EMT Paramedic Salary in The Villages, FL | Indeed.com

Average Firefighter EMT Paramedic Salary

The Villages $67,000
Ocala 70,000
Leesburg 60,000
Lady Lake 65,000
Wildwood 66,000

Just the average doesn't consider staffing levels or seniority.
A simple Google search will point out the the 20% is bogus.

Are our firefighter's & EMT's underpaid? Your damn right if they are picking me up off my death bed!