Winter Haven is hiring one spot right now

[roadnurse4life]

Hey everyone, Winter Haven, in Polk County, is hiring a single firefighter. Its a great little department, with an awesome retirement and kelly days, and a really nice culture. Apply ASAP if you are interested.

[utilitycow]

Kelly days? What's that?
Winterhaven is a great department. They are ALS under Polk county's medical director and do not transport. They are FRS I believe, not that being state retirement really means much any more. Freakin kelly days...

[Want2BAFF.]

Kelly days? What's that?
Winterhaven is a great department. They are ALS under Polk county's medical director and do not transport. They are FRS I believe, not that being state retirement really means much any more. Freakin kelly days...

Hi Utilitycow,

Not to get off the topic, but I thought the FRS was a BIG perk?

[utilitycow]

Hi Utilitycow,

Not to get off the topic, but I thought the FRS was a BIG perk?

Maybe you haven't heard about the 3 percent income tax p Rick Scott levied on all employees participating in the frs. If he gets his way, there won't be a frs for new employees. Since the recent changes in frs for new hires it may not be better than a city or private pension.

[Truck-10-VES]

It is. Although it's not as good as it was 2 years ago, in my opinion it is still one of the best pensions in the state. Although the particulars of the FRS are a discussion for another day. The big question about the Kelly day is how often is it? Although one Kelly day a year is WAY better than NO Kelly day at all right?

[utilitycow]

It is. Although it's not as good as it was 2 years ago, in my opinion it is still one of the best pensions in the state. Although the particulars of the FRS are a discussion for another day. The big question about the Kelly day is how often is it? Although one Kelly day a year is WAY better than NO Kelly day at all right?

I don't think it's three weeks, but i am not 100% sure.
I have no Kelly day, so, yes, one a year would be an improvement.
Honestly, I'm considering a change that would mean starting over in seniority, going back to a Firefighter, and possibly losing income, just to get a three week Kelly.
My comments were not meant to discourage anyone from applying for Winterhaven. It is an awesome department and they get some fire. The city is a good size and there is a good tax base. They have some nice equipment. I would definitely work there.

[Truck-10-VES]

With the gas money you are saving but going to work 9 days a month instead of ten would it really be a pay cut? I bet the opportunities at this new department far exceed your current department also, am I right? So is it TRULY a pay cut? Or a huge opportunity?

[utilitycow]

With the gas money you are saving but going to work 9 days a month instead of ten would it really be a pay cut? I bet the opportunities at this new department far exceed your current department also, am I right? So is it TRULY a pay cut? Or a huge opportunity?

Wiith current gas prices it costs me about 20 bucks a shift in fuel, and i drive a relatively efficient car. I didn't get a second interview, so I guess the decision was made for me. And the advancement opportunities at my current department are better than anywhere else. I've heard it's many more years elsewhere to make engineer.