The Dunedin City Commission on Nov. 6 approved an amended agreement with Pinellas County for advanced life support (ALS) funding and paramedic staffing across Dunedins apparatus.

Fire Chief Michael Hendoza described the annual contract as the vehicle by which Pinellas County funds paramedic positions on Dunedin apparatus. "Pinellas County EMS is providing the staffing and funding for paramedics on engine 60, engine 61, engine 62, correction, rescue 60," the chief said. Chief Hendoza and staff explained the departments approach to become an all-paramedic frontline force and noted training partnerships that allow recruits to do ride time with Dunedin crews while completing paramedic school.

Commission discussion focused on how the county calculates funding, which is based on funded positions per shift and operational support, and on the departments current progress in paramedic training. Chief Hendoza said roughly 80% of frontline personnel are already paramedics and additional new hires will enter paramedic training programs soon.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the amended ALS agreement with Pinellas County. The transcript records the item and staff explanation; the precise dollar figure in the meeting record was unclear and is recorded as not specified in this summary pending the final agreement document.

Action recorded: amended ALS agreement with Pinellas County approved.