Growing up in a family of firefighters, I have often heard the statement; “it doesn’t pay much so you definitely have to love the job.” Firefighters in Utah make a little more than $38,000 a year. My father has always had two and sometimes three jobs to make ends meet. I have seen first hand the wear and tear two or three jobs has had on my father.

Police officers make about the same as firefighters, depending on their rank. People may say our public servants knew what they were getting into, but at the same time they aren’t really putting themselves in the shoes of our public safety. These people are expected to do so many hours of exercise and training, and are constantly risking their lives for others. While they are risking their lives for us, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are getting paid $11 million just for baby photos, Taylor Swift is making $57 million a year, and Tiger Woods and LeBron James are making more than $53 million a year. Yes, all of these people work hard, and they should get paid for what they do. However, they aren’t risking their lives like firefighters and police officers do. Because of this, I feel like those in public safety should be making more than what they are.

I remember as a little girl I would try and block the door so my dad couldn’t leave, because I knew I wouldn’t see him for a couple of days. I also remember him being gone on holidays and a couple of birthdays. As a daughter, sister, granddaughter and niece of firefighters, I have seen first hand how these men work hard for others and receive so little pay back. I feel that firefighters as well as police officers are like those in the military, only they are compensated significantly less. Why?

These men and women go through a lot and see so much, and it is all to protect and help us. Isn’t it worth paying them back? Investing in our firefighters and police officers will improve public safety, and improve the lives of those who protect us. They deserve it. Trust me.

– Alexis Wise, Mapleton

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