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Felt unsafe at an already unsafe environment. So I jumped ship. Not at all regretful of leaving just the way I did it. I'm smarter now more wise. Won't be doing it that way again. But then again I don't think I will be in that situation again. (hope)

My first department, I signed a two year contract to stay. I left at a 1 1/2 years and paid them the remainder of my contract to go to Westmont. I did have to test all over again.  At that time I wanted to work someplace a little busier and that paid more. I wont bad mouth either of them because both departments I worked for were great, but I had to find the right fit for me.

Unfortunatelly smaller Departments are training grounds for larger Departments.  Joliet has guys and gals from at least 40 different Departments, including Chicago.  

The old place I left, Sauk Village, had 8 Officers leave (including myself) for other places like Oak Lawn, Mundelein, Homewood, Chicago Heights, Glenwood, Lansing, New Lenox, and a Sgt. to become Chief of Beecher.  The Chief even retired that year.  10 total Officers was tough for a town of only 18 Officers. 

This is why most places make you sign at least a 2 year contract.  Felt bad for one of my recruits.  He was a Will County Deputy working in the jail for a year and a half.  He was promised the streets, but never got there.  He decided to leave for Joliet, even though they made him sign a 2 year contract.  He did not have to repay the Sheriff's Office, but they took his vacation and banked back time.