Commission adopts behavioral health paramedic classification for Spokane Fire Department
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Summary
The Veil Service Commission adopted Resolution 2025-16 to add a new classification (SPN 934) for a behavioral health paramedic to support the Spokane Fire Department’s behavioral response unit assisting people experiencing mental health and substance use crises.
The Veil Service Commission on Nov. 18 adopted Resolution 2025-16, creating a new classification (SPN 934) for a "behavioral health paramedic" requested by the Spokane Fire Department. According to the staff presentation, the new position "will provide emergency medical treatment and assistance from the behavioral response unit, specifically to people experience mental health and substance abuse crisis."
Staff stated the Spokane Fire Department and Local 29 Bargaining Unit "concur with the new classification as presented," and the commission's staff recommended adoption. A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded; the chair called the vote and the transcript records three 'Aye' responses before the chair declared the motion passed.
Why it matters: the classification formalizes a role intended to support behavioral response work by fire department personnel responding to mental-health and substance-use crises, which may affect training, staffing, and labor relations. The record shows concurrence from the bargaining unit but does not include details on salary range, incumbency, or implementation schedule.
What’s next: the vote passed at the meeting; staff and the Spokane Fire Department will be responsible for implementing the classification and any related hiring or reclassification actions.
