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Selectmen approve paramedic tuition agreement for Mr. O'Brien
Summary
The Alton Selectmen approved a tuition and employment agreement to fund paramedic certification for a fire department member, adding $15,000 to the EMS training line this year and requiring a 24-month post-certification service commitment or reimbursement.
The Alton Board of Selectmen on June 23 approved an education-and-employment agreement that will pay for a fire department member for paramedic certification, authorizing town staff to finalize the agreement.
The Fire Chief reviewed the proposal in open session, saying the town added $15,000 to the EMS training line this year to cover higher certification costs, and that the department typically spends between $8,000 and $10,000. "I do believe we'll see a return on that investment just because we can provide that higher level of care," the chief said, describing how paramedic-level service could affect billing for transports.
Under the agreement, the paramedic course is in-person and runs roughly a year with weekly sessions and required clinical time in a hospital. The contract includes a 24-month service commitment that begins after successful certification; if the employee fails to meet the commitment, the agreement calls for reimbursement to the town.
The board moved and approved the agreement and authorized Ryan Heath to sign the final paperwork on behalf of the town. Selectmen voiced support for the investment, noting the operational benefits of having a paramedic-certified responder on staff.
The approved motion was procedural: the board voted to authorize the town to enter into the education/tuition employment agreement with the nominated firefighter and to delegate signature authority to Ryan Heath. The selectmen did not discuss specific candidate names during the public motion beyond acknowledging Mr. O'Brien as the member who stepped forward.
