I am a Deputy Sheriff in Florida. Here are the figures.
I have been with the agency 21 yrs.
I will make just over 100k this year which includes about 75 hours of over time, maybe 100 at tops.
I have 340 hours of saved vacation hours and can carry up to 500 w/out losing any at the end of the year.
I have 68 hours comp and 120 hours holiday comp saved. Any comp over 120 hours at end of the year is converted into cash.
I have 700+ hours of saved sick time, I have given away approx 200 hours over the years to fellow officers.
We have a 25 yrs and out which means you can retire after 25 yrs of service and collect retirement even though you haven't reached normal retirement age.
You will collect 3% for every year you work. So if you work 25 yrs then you will collect 75% of your top 5 highest paid years.
Example: If I had 25 yrs in as of today and making 100k, then I would retire with 75k a year.
I plan on doing 30 yrs and retiring with 90% of my pay. I will be 52 yrs old. (only 9 more yrs to go, yahoooo)
When I retiree I will get a check for all my comp, holiday comp, vacation up to 500 hrs and sick up to I think 1000 hours paid at my hourly rate. Anything over 1000 hrs is paid at 50% your hourly rate.
That means a New Ranger with my comp, vacation and sick time payout. Or truck. Or invest it. Not bad either way.
Not all agencies have the same retirement plans or benefits so do your homework before applying.
But I have been shot at, had 3 concussions, 13 accidents (not at fault), 1 divorce, hospitalized, spit on (and yes they went to jail), countless fights and a host of other BS too.
There are much more benefits (money wise) that I haven't covered but these are the basics.
