[Adopted 8-22-2006, effective 8-22-2006; amended 6-8-2021 by P21-03]
This Policy creates a Paramedic Trainee Program and establishes
guidelines for the payment of program costs and/or special remuneration,
and reimbursement of such expenses for failure to meet contract obligations.
A. A Paramedic Trainee Program is hereby established for the purpose
of increasing the number of qualified paramedics available to address
normal attrition and planned growth within the Kent County service
area.
B. As part of the annual or supplemental budget approval process, funding
may be provided for a specified number of trainees determined by the
Levy Court to support a paramedic training program which includes
salary, benefits, uniforms, and necessary supplies, required tuition
and student fees, and/or special lump sum remuneration in an amount(s)
and on a schedule(s) established by Kent County Levy Court. These
costs will be shared by the Delaware Office of EMS at the approved
funding basis, if eligible. In turn, each student shall agree to serve
a minimum of three years as a paramedic with Kent County, or will
be required to reimburse the County for its portion of tuition and
fees.
C. At the discretion of the Director of Public Safety in consultation
with the Personnel Director, paramedic trainee candidates may be selected
from applications received from the public for program participation,
or from interested matriculated students already enrolled in an approved
paramedic training program offered at a Delaware college or university.
The Director of Public Safety and Personnel Director may also choose
to enroll a qualified applicant in an approved Paramedic Training
Academy/Education program located outside Delaware. Students should
be selected following an interview process that includes written,
practical, and other approved testing. The student should be Nationally
Registered EMT-Basic and/or meet the criteria for entrance into the
paramedic training program.
D. Paramedic trainees shall have a special classification and are only
eligible for specifically contracted County benefits during their
training period. Upon successful completion of the training period,
a trainee(s) may be hired as a regular full-time employee and would
be required to complete the normal introductory (probationary) period.
E. The Director of Public Safety and Personnel Director shall jointly
develop appropriate forms and guidelines for the efficient administration
of this Policy.
F. This Policy shall become effective immediately upon adoption by Levy
Court.