I just don't get it . http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-news/phoenix-firefighter-arrested-by-phoenix-police

Do you think everyone in "public service" jobs are in it for the service of the public? Many are in it for the power and glory that they believe comes with the job.

As someone who wore a badge for 25+ years, I can tell you some of the worse scum I dealt with also wore badges.

The same courage, fortitude, etc. that would enable a person to risk their life on behalf of others is also similar to the driving force making them feel they can do things like this and feel they can't get caught.  There are many links between successful business people and psychopaths which has been documented in an ever increasing amount of research.

My guess is he needed money for drugs.

Pretty sure. Because the amounts were petty and the easiest way for addicts to get money is hit the friends and easy stuff.

ETA - yep they just posted an update. Substance abuse and financial problems. The amounts are pathetic besides one time he got lucky and got $990. Every other time it was like $20 here $50 there etc.

Sad for sure , I was under the impression that fire fighters made a good living and got a great benefits  package and good pension . So he must have had an ongoing drug problem . Looks like a random drug screen might be something the FD should look into .

And some, will look the other way or do shifty things to ensure their retirement. Then we get to support them off our backs. Just part of the system until it gets changed.

Every firefighter I know says they are a "part time" firefighter, and have a real job on the side. Guess it doesn't pay all that great? Or all the time off affords other options too maybe?

This information is three years old, but these were the "base" pay.  If they are anything like other cities such as Vegas, they make another 20-50% of their base in OT alone before benefits, etc.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2015/03/30/phoenix-firefighter-base-pay-salary/70669382/

For every firefighter below the rank of battalion chief, the city automatically contributes 4.55 percent of their pay to a deferred compensation plan. The Fire Department's middle managers and executives above that rank get 8 percent of their salary contributed to another retirement account. In addition, they receive a monthly $100 cellphone allowance and a $280 to $435 car allowance.

Entry-level firefighter

Base salary: $46,312

Time with city: Starting

Early-career firefighter

Base salary: $59,300

Time with city: 5.5 years

Mid-career firefighter

Base salary: $65,532

Time with city: 10 years

Firefighter paramedic

Base salary: $ 72,221

Time with city: 14 years

Fire engineer

Base salary: $71,900

Time with city: 19 years

Fire captain (special operations, paramedic)

Base salary: $97,427

Time with city: 25

Fire battalion chief

Base salary: $99,459

Time with city: 26

Assistant fire chief

Base salary: $145,000

Time with city: 34 years

Fire chief

Base salary: $182,499

Time with city: 30 years

Not exactly chump change , should to be able to live nicely on $72000.00 . He was with the Phoenix FD for 11 years.