Good info you shared Matt. We hired 3 officers from UofG who went for that deal. A large chunk of their education was paid for, and they got a 6% incentive for the degree from our PD. When I did the backgrounds, I was surprised to be talking to Captains that were in their 20's.
It tends to work out better for ex-military, as they tend to be older and can get hired on quicker on a kid straight out of high school who would have to wait until 21.
Whenever I see advice about wanting to get into LE/FF, I always advise to look into the total package. Incentives, years of service required, age requirements, medical insurance at retirement, percentage of pay calculated, how much you contribute towards that, who pays the pension i.e. City/County/State as it makes a big difference for stability. As an example, here in the NW pay tends to be high compared to most of the nation, but only 2% per year with highest 5 consecutive used for calculation, no medical, age 53. So on it's face it may sound good money wise, but then you have to deduct any medical insurance and work until 53. Some states have 20 or 25 years and out. I had to work 30 for my 60%, and still had to wait until I turned 53. I have 2 brothers also LEO in different states, and pensions differ greatly. If you really look, there are agencies that opted out of SS back when you could. They are still required to put money into some type of retirement fund (401, Roth, etc), but they will get a much higher return that what they would have received from SS.
All that being said, I have no complaints. Many out there don't have anything but SS to look forward to, and have to work to 62-65 to get it.
