The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, welfare
and safety within the County of Putnam by providing funding to the local fire
departments and ambulance corps throughout the county to assist their volunteers
in alleviating the costs of obtaining advanced medical training in the form
of a paramedic certification. This chapter is enacted in the interests of
encouraging local fire department and ambulance corps volunteers to enhance
their medical skills and encourage citizens to join such organizations who
are in constant need of new members.
Each municipality within Putnam County shall be entitled to receive
reimbursement for the cost of each such volunteer who completes the advanced
medical training, receives a paramedic certification and agrees to participate
as such volunteer for the municipality for at least two years. The funding
pursuant to this chapter shall not exceed $3,000 per volunteer and the total
amount originally budgeted for such purpose.
Upon the submission of a county voucher and evidence of the completion
of the training program and receipt of the certificate by the local municipality
to the Bureau of Fire and EMS and the subsequent approval of such voucher
by the Fire and EMS Coordinator, the Commissioner of Finance will disburse
the applicable funds to the municipality and charge the appropriate budget
line.