Public Safety Officers...

[kromp]

Hello,
I would like information from anyone with opinions about public safety (Police, fire & EMS) Are current PSO's happy being cross-trained? Do you feel you receive enough training?
Thanks,
Kromp

[firemenjobs]

Being a career firefighter I know its VERY hard for us to get all of our training so i'm not sure how they can get quality training in all of those fields. It's the old saying "Jack of all trades master of none".
Just a thought...

[cid90]

I know several PSO's. They advise that the true cops hate the fire stuff and vice versa.
Imagine during a big fire you are on police patrol and have to assist and get into turn-out gear. You work the fire then have to go back on patrol. It may not be this way for every PSO but it this way for the guys I know.
Know if this is you only job prospect right now try and see what you like, then go work for another department that is not PSO

[muleskinner]

I agree with CID. I work as an EMT for a County Ambulance and we have a Police Officer that works for us when he can, there is no PSO program or anything he works both because he wants to, but I can see were being called in and working in EMS when a person isn't working for there department could spread someone alittle thin, likewise keeping all those skills up to date. I think it would be interesting concept or idea for someone who had interest in both areas and couldn't decide, but after a person gets a preference I think being forced to work as a firefighter when you would rather be on patrol or vice versa wouldnt be very desireable. Or even getting your role changed as needed would be a pain. Just my opinion I guess. Fun at first but would get old after awhile.

mule

[DelC]

I would have to say the PSO idea came from some Harvard grad type City Administrator that has never been out from behind a desk!! Another one of those things that looks good on paper and saves $$$ on the small time city budget, but sucks in the real world.

[Fargo2722]

A good friend of mine is a PO in small suburb in Jersey where the EMS and Fire are both volunteer organizations. He also happens to be an assistant fire chief of the neighboring towns Vol. FD and a certified EMT. While he is paid as a PO, his training and experience in both of these other areas have assisted him tremendously in his PO work by being able to accurately asses the situation. (i.e. "It's on fire!" vs. "2 Story residential with fire showing on the A side, all occupants out")

From helping fire department pump the truck to assist patients until the volunteer ambulance rolls up he can help with it all. However I think people have to realize that one person can only do so much. Having an "official" position where one person is EXPECTED to perform all these duties would be unrealistic and more importantly dangerous for all involved.

Having the backround and training in Fire/EMS could be an assest for a PO as a first responder in best sizing up a situation and getting the necessary people in on sccene.

I agree with DelC & Agency, it may look good on paper but it would be dangerous in the realworld to blur the lines between PO/FF/EMT.

[kromp]

Thanks for the input everyone!
It seems like all cities want to do is save money, and whether it is at the expense of a city employee or not, I don't think they care.
Having been a PSO for the last 9 years, I have seen it work a lot of the time, and not work some of the time. In the end, it seems to be a crapshoot, with the city betting that we won't get hurt or die, and them saving $$$ until then.
Stay Safe,
Kromp

[Celtic Warrior]

I am State certified in LE and Fire (used to also be an EMT, but let it lapse) and have worked as a PSO in the past. In my experience it is one of those ideas that sound real good when you say it fast:confused:
In reality it didn't work out as expected - of the 2 PS departments I was with I saw them both during the "formation" period (while they were converting to PS as opposed to PD or FD only) and I saw that only a few of the people really "wanted" to be cross trained (if you don't want to do it you won't do it well!!!) Most of the people had NO interest in doing the job duties of the other field. (some even sued so that they wouldn't have to, they lost!)
I agree with DelC - some "Academia" type dreamed this up to save money - not that it can't work (especially in theory!) but that everyone needs to want to be both!