Final interview in about 2 weeks! - Update 2: Turned down for the second time...

[Big D]

My advice and take on your situation:

-AS Degree in Fire Protection Technology (Good)
-EMT Cert. (Good)
-Loads of security and FEMA certs. (meh)
-NRA Basic Handgun Instructor. (meh)
-Graduating again with an AS Degree in Administration of Justice. (good, but why another AS and not a BS?)
-Lots of work experience in the security field. (Get out of that field ASAP)
-Prior Police Explorer with my local department when I was in high school. (Good)
-I've done a ride along (Good)
-Planning to transfer to SJSU to pursue online courses to get a BS Degree in Justice Studies with a Minor in Forensic Science. (Good, but don't discount other, non LE focused majors)

Overall, you sound like a good candidate, keep applying, keep going to school and working out. And remember, I know you think you're ready, but these agencies may be looking for more experienced officers who are a little older with a little more life experience. They'll never come out and tell you we didn't hire you because you're 25, but that could very well be the case.

[retired]

OP, I was hired at age 26 with my former dept. after testing with various agencies for 2yrs. I tested with approx. 10 different agencies. When I was in the top 5, that dept. would hire only two. When I was in the top 10, that dept. would only hire 6 or 7. I was #11 with SDPD and figured I was a shoo in. Due to internal problems and only a 6 month list, they didn't hire anyone and the list expired.

While in the academy with LASD, LAPD contacted me to schedule an interview, but I passed. I was already in the academy, really didn't want to work in L.A., there was no guarantee I'd even make it to their academy and blue uniforms show "ropes" too easily (if you don't know what that means, ask a leo friend).

My point, as others have mentioned, just keep testing and eventually it will work out. Good luck.

[micro911]

Long Beach PD: Gave me an about 1,000 page book to study for a test in one week. I didn't pass the written test. No time to study while I was working a full time job.

Burbank PD and LAPD: Didn't hire me because I applied the citizenship 6 month prior to the application when they required 12 months.

USMC Officer's program(flight program): haven't called me yet.

My current agency: called me one year after I applied, and asked me if I am still interested in working for them. I said of course. After over 29 years, I am ready to retire in 81 days.

[INCINR8]

Just a thought. Is it possible with your fire/Emt education they feel you would cross over to the F.D. after they spent money and time with you?

[micro911]

One of my younger friends had an issue with polygraph for an agency. He did not make it the first time, but did it again and passed. You need to keep trying.