[PennBF]

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??

[villagesff]

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

[TraceyMooreRN]

Originally Posted by Bizdoc

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.

I believe it was Rural/Metro---but please remember that Rural/Metro serves SUMTER COUNTY which covers a big area for The Villages and are often seen at our local hospital.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Bizdoc

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.

Well said.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by PennBF

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??

Your brush is painting WAY too broadly. I like what Bizdoc said, honestly, compassionately and sincerely. I will bump it again.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Bizdoc

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.

Bumpity Bump Bump

[PennBF]

Talk about some angry people? I would gladly support an increase in the monthly dues (Amenity Fees) to ensure we pay the Firefighters and EMT's a good wage and one we can be proud of. I stress I don't personally know any of them and the couple of times they have come to the house to replace smoke detectors, etc. they have been courteous and professional. We do have both Professional Firefighters and EMT's as relatives so have a little understanding of what they go through.

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by villagesff

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

Who knew? I always wondered if you got to eat the cookies or had to throw them out like Halloween candy. It's truly the least we can do. There must be a support organization that receives donations? I agree with all who think pay scales are low. Having lived on Florida wages, I know it isn't easy.

I hope you find ways to advance.

[gerryann]

Such awful bitterness on this site.

I feel very sorry for the bitter posters

I applaud the work of EMT's, firemen, policemen and all emergency workers.
You do a fantastic job!

The few (very few) folks that complain, most likely are unhappy and complain about everything. I am embarrassed for them.

[Bonny]

I agree. This thread is getting a little ugly.

[dirtbanker]

I doubt everyone will agree with my opinions, just as I don't agree with all the opinions on here. My post was a directed response to someone else's opinion, it was intended to elaborate my opinion and provoke alternative thoughts. If we all need to put our heads in the sand and hold roses in one hand, daisy in the other, it would make sense to remove the quote feature!

[memason]

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....

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by memason

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....

God bless them all !

[eremite06]

No comment.

[old moe]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

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!

When I lived on Long Island I put in 20 years as a Vol.Fireman with NO PAY AT ALL, and was Proud to do it. Is anyone ever happy with how much they are paid these days??? :