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Council debates proposal to add part‑time firefighter classification without immediate EMT requirement
Summary
Fire leadership proposed adding a part‑time firefighter classification (policy 5.1) that would allow hiring candidates with Firefighter I/II but without EMT or paramedic certification, provided they obtain EMT within two years. Council members raised safety concerns and asked for a refined proposal with stronger safeguards.
The Mooresville Town Council engaged in an extended discussion May 6 after the fire chief proposed adding a new part‑time firefighter classification to the personnel policy that would allow hiring workers who hold Firefighter I/II but who are not yet certified as EMTs or paramedics.
The chief (identified in meeting remarks as the department head) said the proposal would add policy 5.1 to complement the existing policy 5.9 for part‑time EMT/paramedic positions and to help fill staffing shortages. He described a plan to provide American Heart Association first‑aid/CPR training immediately and aim to have new hires complete EMT certification within two years. “We do have a line item already for basically a firefighter only,” he said, adding the intent was to recruit people who can gain experience on calls while they complete formal EMS training.
Council members expressed strong concerns about allowing uncertified personnel to run emergency medical calls. One council member said, “We're lowering our standards” if hires are permitted to take runs without current EMT certification. Another said part‑time staff without EMT skills could end up on scenes during multiple simultaneous calls when certified staff are occupied. The chief and supporters argued that hands‑on experience under the supervision of certified personnel could be valuable and that recruiting with a pathway to EMT certification would increase staffing.
Council members asked for stricter controls and for a refined proposal. Suggestions included limiting the number of uncertified part‑time personnel per shift, ensuring a certified EMT/paramedic is always present, clarifying who would pay for EMT school and whether reimbursements would be available, and detailing probationary supervision requirements. The council did not vote on the policy change and directed the chief to return with a more restrictive, written proposal (examples mentioned: cadet or apprentice program with firmer timelines and limits on uncertified personnel per shift).
Why it matters: Mooresville’s fire department handles a majority of EMS calls; changes to hiring and certification requirements affect patient care, liability and staffing resilience. Council members emphasized commitment to certified emergency care even while acknowledging staffing shortages.
Next steps: Staff and the chief will refine the proposal into a more restrictive apprenticeship/cadet model and return to the council for further consideration.
