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Hemet council approves firefighter EMT classification, authorizes city manager to sign union side letter
Summary
The council approved a new firefighter EMT job classification and authorized the city manager to execute a side letter with the Hemet City Firefighters association to define assignment and overtime rules.
The Hemet City Council on Feb. 11 voted 5-0 to approve a revised firefighter job classification that creates a firefighter EMT designation distinct from firefighter paramedic and authorized the city manager to execute a side letter agreement with the Hemet City Firefighters association.
Tiffany (Human Resources) and other staff described the revisions as clarifying the difference in medical skill levels and the duties each classification may perform. "The firefighter paramedic was separated and then we added in the firefighter EMT," Tiffany said, noting the job description additions clarify what an EMT-level firefighter may do in emergency medical assistance and how the role differs from paramedic scope.
Staff said the EMT classification will expand recruitment pathways, allowing the department to hire candidates who hold an EMT certification and thereby increase staffing capacity. The fire department representative told council the change would "give us the ability to cast a wider net" for recruits and allow the department to place a second squad in service without additional cost.
The city attorney asked the council to add language authorizing the city manager to execute the letter of agreement covering the firefighter EMT classification and related terms, including assignment and overtime. "My recommendation is that we add a section to the resolution that authorizes the city manager to execute the letter of agreement between the City of Hemet and the Hemet City Firefighters," the city attorney said.
Council Member Linda Krupa moved to approve the resolution as amended to include authority for the city manager to execute the side letter; Council Member Lodge seconded. The roll call vote was Krupa yes, Lodge yes, Mayles yes, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Kendrick yes, Mayor Jackie Peterson yes. The motion passed 5-0.
Staff said the side letter was omitted from the original staff report and will be provided to the council; they also noted the city does not currently fund paramedic school attendance but is open to exploring grant opportunities and local college partnerships.
