Robo check out Promotive. You can qualify for LE/Mil quals for serious discounts on a lot of cool stuff plus camo gear. Some of it is 80% off. Send me your email via PM and I will invite you directly. KILLER deals.
Not sure what a smaller fireman is but whatever...I digress
I have 2 sons who both are on the job. Oldest at LAPD(7 years) and youngest at Montebello(2 months). Myself I did 22 years mil and now do EP work in the LA area. The oldest has done 9 years mil and a tour in Afghanistan. He caught an IED and received the PH and NAM w/CV. Both agree that at first its about making a difference and helping the community. Noble idea but zero fruition. Departmental politics and the civilians taking advantage of your wrong regardless stance of most PD's here in SoCal. In a nutshell faggotry and horsecrap. I would suggest a 4 year deal in one of the armed services as a prereq before you get on. It would help you in the process and teach you temperance for career to come. I would also read all above again and relize that the words here are information. You can take it or leave it but whatever you do put in 100% all of the time. It will be the best ride of your life. Most young men of your age would rather sit at home till 40 and play Xbox. You sound like someone who needs a challenge so do it. I can tell you will never regret it. Good luck
I fished Chineak creek on Kodiak with a buddy. Caught salmon, Dollys, steelhead with my hands, Buck knife and yes size 10 jungle boots (kicked them out of the water). No one around. Back in the day