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Committee backs state-funded fire cadet internship; city to cover benefits and gear costs
Summary
The committee recommended SA 5-26, a state-partnership cadet/intern program that will bring 10 paid interns into Annapolis Fire Department training; the state covers hourly pay but the city will provide benefits, FICA and protective clothing funded by a mix of department budget and mayor/manager office contributions.
The Finance Standing Committee on Sept. 3 recommended approval of SA 5-26, a partnership-based cadet and intern program run by the Annapolis Fire Department with funding from the Maryland Department of Service and the Maryland Fire Rescue Institute.
"The state is funding the hourly cost for these interns," Fire Chief Doug Romali told the committee, describing a program that will bring 10 participants through training that provides national firefighter/EMT certifications. Chief Romali said the city must cover employer-side payroll costs and protective clothing: "Because they are 40 hour week employees and because of, human resources laws, we have to be able to provide them benefits, at least offer benefits... we also have to... put them in protective clothing, which is costly. So, we're picking up those costs."
Nut graf: The chief said the city and partner organizations (the mayor's office and city manager's office) identified funding sources to limit the department's budgetary impact; he said roughly $40,000 in support came from city management and the mayor's office. Committee members applauded the pipeline effect and asked for updates as the program runs; Chief Romali said the cohort is "a very diverse group of individuals" and that three of the interns are female.
Ending: The committee voted to forward SA 5-26 with a favorable recommendation. Staff said they will report progress as the program is implemented and will continue outreach to keep a local recruitment pipeline.
