My newbie is making a career change...

[stevie_d_64]

Well, my friend called me today, and told me he passed the test, and will be deciding whether to go to the academy classes either at Alvin or HCC this fall...

This is not because he wants to be a gorilla on the streets with a badge and a gun...He just wants to make a career change...He's been talking about it for about a year no, and just broke the news to me today about his passing the entrance exam...

Now, here's the good part...

His wife is disabled and not able to work during the time he is in the academy...Meaning his family will be down to $14 an hour while he is getting this done during that semester...

Does anyone, LE or not know of any supplemental income (programs) that could keep him above water while this dominates his normal days this fall???

Thanks...

[txfireguy2003]

I wish him the best of luck. When I was testing to become a police officer, all the departments I tested with said that if they put me through the academy, they would not allow my to have any part time employment. They wanted their cadets to be focused on the academy and nothing else. I hope the department he is dealing with will be different. As far as programs, he might look into Pell Grants, or some sort of Govt. guaranteed loans, but I don't know if those programs will allow it if you have an employer paying your way through school, especially when they are paying a salary to boot.

[jbirds1210]

He could attend a night or evening academy. The night academy usually stretches out over 10-12 months, but allows regular employment. One of my best friends just started the academy two weeks ago for Harris county. He is going to class three nights a week for a year.

He might need a carpool buddy.......why dont you just go with him? It really is alot of fun.

Jason

[jdh2580]

Stevie D & JBirds,

Keep us up to date on how things are going for your friends.

I personally would like to know as I have considered this career change myself.
My first year of college (several years ago) I was a Criminal Justice major and had it not been for landing a very well paying job I was going to pursue a law enforcement career then. Since I have been laid off 2 times in 2 years, the stability that comes along with law enforcement is looking very attractive.

I applaud them for wanting to make a difference in their communities.

[jbirds1210]

There are several places local that you could attend the academy. PM me and I will be happy to share my experiences with you. I had a blast and learned a great deal. Take care.

Jason

[stevie_d_64]

He might need a carpool buddy.......why dont you just go with him? It really is alot of fun.

I would in a heartbeat, but if he (newbie) is on the edge of the age limit, I definitely beat it by 9, almost 10 years...

I may still have it going on between the ears, and my index finger(s) still work...But the old wagon wheels are not into foot chases and other jumping around like some of the younger generation is capable of doing...

Besides, I am just too mean...

I appreciate your encouragement, and to be honest, things are starting to look up a bit over here...

[jimlongley]

A few months ago I would have suggested Home Depot for a part time job with a supportive company that even provided some tuition reimbursement, we have several employees in such programs right now.

The only problem is that with the changes in the economy, HD has discontinued new entries into such programs.

I'm kind of with Stevie, got too old for that career change. Had a chance a few years back with ICE and one local department with no age limits, but unfortunately both called me for physicals right after I had shoulder surgey.

[stevie_d_64]

Ready for a funny Jim???

I ran into a couple of D.O.E. security types at PSC a couple of weekends ago...

They told me one of the physical tests was to run a 40 yd dash in 8 seconds...

Starting from a face down prone position on the deck...

No problem...It probably take me about 4 to 4.5 seconds to get up off my face...

Plennnnnnty of time to run a 40 after that...Right???

Now if you weight me down with an MP-5...Piece of cake!