In general, people living in the West today have a far lesser risk of coming to serious physical harm than at any previous time. You're way more likely to be killed by too many cheeseburgers than crime, terrorism, accidents, and natural disasters combined.
Some reasons for this include stricter building codes, better technology (lightbulbs instead of candles, for instance), and improved laws. Arguably the bigger driver of this progress, however, is the professionalism and training of the men and women who become first responders. A law enforcement and firefighting degree can be your stepping stone into this important and gratifying career.
A bachelor's degree isn't necessary to become a cop or firefighter. Graduating from an academy course lasting about 6 months can get you a job, though some additional certification like a 2-year associate's degree is preferred. You do need a bachelor's if you want to join the FBI and certain other organizations, but almost any kind of degree will do.
Taking law enforcement and firefighting will, however, provide you with specialized knowledge on topics like public safety and security, leadership, administration, criminology, law, and applied psychology. This makes you far more attractive to various employers and puts you on the fast track to promotion.
Obtaining your degree in Europe has the additional advantage of exposing you to a different perspective on law enforcement. Police in countries like Britain and Germany place a much larger emphasis on techniques for de-escalation, community relations, and crime prevention. If you've seen the news at all in the past five years, you'll know that these skills are sorely needed in many American police departments.
