Worth it? Little bout my self to help you to help me...

[JoyRiderUSA]

My dream in life was to be able to actually physically help people and to provide safety to the people I love or represent. One day back in 2008 I was hospitalized for a health condition I got from my father genetics, and was told I was unable to joined the armed forces and do certain things because of this condition. I always wanted to be a police officer but due there is never a need for officers in my town of Westerly in Rhode Island I turned to move all the way west to join either LAPD or CHP. My mom doesnt like the thought of me dying in the line of duty. She served in the air force during the gulf war. She thinks california is one of the most dangerous places to live in the United States. I don't want a desk job, I want a job that keeps changing every day. 1. I don't know with disorder (hypokalemic periodic paralysis) if I can become a sworn police officer. I take medication to get me out of the symptoms and to prevent it but I don't know. Right now I am 16 and left with some ideas of where to go in life. 2. Is being a police officer worth it 3. My mom says that because my dad makes a 6 figure salary anthing below that is trash -_-....what does CHP make.

[PapaBear]

Since your question borders on Recruitment, it will probably be disregarded and filed.

I don't think you can be on the CHP with your condition. The circumstances of the ailment are such that you may become a liability and high risk to yourself and/or your fellow officers in the event of an incident.

Contact the recruitment unit at the office nearest you for further information; or call the CHP at: 1-888-4A CHP JOB

Good luck!

[cjincognito]

My mom says that because my dad makes a 6 figure salary anthing below that is trash -_-....what does CHP make.

Wow, I know a lot of trash then. :sad: I don't know why you have to go all the way across the country. NYPD has far more officers than CHP or LAPD. They even have their own Highway Patrol.

As for your condition, that is definitely a hiring type question and is prohibited here. If you have more questions, call a recruiter.

[x MAIT]

Six figures.......1,000.00

What's the big deal?

When I first came on this department I didn't even make that and I still thought it was a fortune. Doubled the salary I was making in the Army. Regardless, when I started, I could care less what I was being paid. I wanted this job more than anything.

[kingofkings]

It's too bad that your mother feels that way. Although you may not be able to be in LE because of your condition, keep your head up, stay positive and find something that you have a passion for. Money isn't everything and it definitely doesn't bring happiness. And always remember to respect your Mother and Father. Good luck.

[CHPUSMC]

I'll bet ya she didn't make six figures in the Air Force. Kingofkings is right, money isn't everything. I live in a house I bought, 3 cars, 4 kids. I still have money left over at the end of the month without overtime. Even if I din't have anything left at the end I know we are still happy. Life is all of what you make of it.

Respect your parents but in the end, the profession you choose is, and should be, your decision. Do what you want to do. Your parents will always care for your well being and of course, they don't want to see you get hurt. Frowned upon professions by parents now wanting to see their kids hurt are the military, police work, professional racing, logging, ocean fishing, underwater welding etc. In the end, as long as you are happy in your career, you parents will be proud of you.

[JoyRiderUSA]

My condition only shows it self if I eat late or eat too many carbs. Thats why Im only in shape. My condition wont put people at risk cause symptoms dont show themselves while im awake. I have medicine to prevent and get my me out of what is called a "attack"

[RI_Hopeful]

I'd like to say a few words here (before this thread gets locked seeing as it does pertain to the hiring process).

First of all, welcome JoyRiderUSA.

As you can see from my handle (RI_Hopeful) you may have guessed that I am also from Rhode Island. Being the smallest state in the union, there are very limited opportunities to be had in Law Enforcement within our tiny little state. Our State Police in 2008 had their first police academy since 2004 and of the nearly 3,000 applicants, they ran a full academy of 36 cadets. Pretty limiting huh? Take into account that we have towns with no police units, zero county agencies, you can see where I am going....

I am in the hiring process now and can give you a little advice with a local touch that you can appreciate...

My decision to pursue a career with the California Highway Patrol was in NO way related to the limited opportunities in Rhode Island. I am a firm believer that you can do anything you set your mind to and, in due time, I believe I could become an officer here, in Rhode Island. But I chose not to. I chose the CHP because I am a go getter. I work hard for everything I have, never give up, and always strive to do my very best. These were all qualities and ideologies that the CHP hold in high regard; integrity, honesty, etc. Because of this it was only natural for me to try and align myself with an agency that shared these same viewpoints. I am of the opinion that the CHP is the finest agency in the nation.

The CHP sets itself apart in the high standards that all officers are held to, standards that are not lowered or compromised for any reason. As I have experienced, and continue to experience, this process takes dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to succeed.

Let me put it into a more local perspective.

Between the various stages of the application process I have been required to travel from Rhode Island to San Francisco and, as I continue on in the process, there will then be more times in which travel is required. I have spent nearly $5,000 in airfare, hotels, meals, rental cars, etc. in pursuit of my dream. Not to mention another $1,500 or so in lost wages because I do not get paid time off at my work. You can see it gets expensive, quickly. BUT FORGET ABOUT THE MONEY!

The State of California could keep their money as far as I am concerned. These officers do not do this job for the pay! They do it for the passion, the same that inspires me to pursue this career.

For me personally, I have never once questioned the job or my decision to apply. To the contrary, I have never been so sure or passionate about anything, ever.

So let me ask you this, since you still have a few years to think about it; are YOU sure? Being a law enforcement officer, especially CHP, is not a career - it's a lifestyle. There is no 9-5 Mon-Fri. This is something you eat, sleep, and breathe. This is who you are, and because of that, the CHP has not chosen you to be an officer, you have chosen the CHP.

Lots to think about and I wish you the best. PM me if you want to meet up or email.

Steve

PS. Sorry for the long post everyone!