I work in public safety here in Chicago (used to work for Chicago Police Department and currently work Chicago Emergency Management) and the sterotypes ring true.

You can imagine how the crusty old coppers and firemen look at me when they find out that I collect old books and old bikes. Or, when they find out that I ride my bike to work whenever I'm not on call (and taking home a response vehicle). I don't consider myself particularly liberal but they look at me as if I must be a molotov cocktail throwing anarchist.