The Richmond Board of Public Works and Safety discussed Fire Department Policy 1008 (tuition reimbursement) on July 10 after members of the department and union officials raised questions about authorization, reimbursement and how paramedicine courses are assigned.

The issue matters because it affects how firefighters enroll in state-approved paramedicine classes, who may authorize enrollment, and whether course costs are eligible for reimbursement under department policy and the collective-bargaining agreement.

Jeremy Blake, lieutenant, Engine 5, and first vice president of Local 1408, told the board that, to his knowledge, there is no written procedure for assigning firefighters to paramedicine classes. He said the EMS chief historically approaches individuals based on interest and seniority and that a probationary firefighter, identified in the transcript as Mr. Stolfos, was approached and encouraged to sign up under that unwritten practice. "To my knowledge, no one has [received reimbursement] for the actual class cost," Blake said, while noting one deputy chief had requested reimbursement for travel time in the past.

Board members asked whether battalion chiefs or lieutenants were authorized to tell firefighters to enroll; Blake said he believed officers do not have that authority and recommended adding an explicit reference to "chief's approval" in contract language to prevent future confusion. Participants discussed that some paramedicine pathways are certification-focused while others are associate-degree programs (discussed in the meeting as Sinclair), and that an associate degree may factor into pay under the collective-bargaining agreement.

The board did not take final action July 10. President Bowman said the item had been scheduled for a final decision July 24 but, "because of the individual feedback that I got from the three of you," the board would instead address the final decision on July 17; he asked the clerk to coordinate the revised scheduling.

The discussion identified a need for clearer written procedures on enrollment and approval, clarification of who may authorize enrollment, and whether and how the city will reimburse course costs for certification or degree programs. The board directed staff to bring the item back for a final decision on July 17.