Picking one Department or waiting for the other?

[DonLB]

*Removed for identical post.

[Aidokea]

You should either delete this post, or delete the identical post that you put in the California section.

[DonLB]

Understood, I was not sure which area was best to post.

[Bing_Oh]

All things being equal, you should take the first offer your receive and stick with it.

If you want one and not the other, then you should withdraw from the one you don't want so as to not waste any more of their time and money. Accepting one offer, having them spend their time and money on you (hiring process, equipment, and academy all cost money...not to mention the expense of now filling the spot that you left open when they thought they had it filled), and then dumping them for another offer is highly frowned upon. Job-hopping, especially like that, would not reflect well on you if you were to decided to apply elsewhere later.

[DonLB]

Thank you for the response.
The July date has not been officially agreed upon for San Diego. Would it be a bad look if I asked about attending their October academy instead? This would allow me time to relocate, and it would give time to hear back from OC to see if that was an option instead of wasting either departments time.

[Bing_Oh]

You could ask, but don't assume they'll agree...especially if you're asking so you have time to potentially get hired elsewhere. Remember that they're looking to hire to their benefit, not necessarily yours (unless you're a truly golden candidate that departments will fight to hire).

[DonLB]

Thank you very much for your responses. I appreciate the input of someone who would know proper etiquette. I will make a decision between them and stick to it. I do not want to waste either's time nor resources.