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Presentation Regarding Request for Hernando Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Trainee Program
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
In June 2024, Hernando County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (HCFR), like many agencies across Florida, faced challenges in recruiting qualified firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs)/paramedics to fill vacant positions. To address this issue, we developed a workforce program in partnership with local schools to attract candidates who are already connected to and invested in the Hernando County community. The response has been overwhelmingly positive; the first advertisement for the trainee program generated over 100 applications within the first two weeks.
HCFR recruits uncertified candidates and funds their training for firefighting and EMT certification. While they are in school, these candidates also work within the department to begin learning the skills and gaining a broad understanding of fire service work. In our facilities maintenance and logistics warehouse, for example, they complete many tasks that might otherwise be outsourced such as painting fire stations, laying rock, trimming trees, and assisting after natural disasters. Various County Departments such as Animal Services, Human Resources, Mosquito Control, and Emergency Management often call on HCFR to lend manpower to projects, and these candidates have helped meet those needs.
Depending on the school schedule, candidates typically take nine months to a year to complete their classes and graduate. Upon graduation, they are promoted to a Firefighter/EMT I position and assigned to a fire station.
Currently, HCFR is utilizing existing full-time employees (FTE’s) who are hired and then immediately assigned to a fire station. While this approach helps maintain operational readiness, it can leave other areas short-staffed and result in increased overtime to cover those gaps. To address this issue, HCFR is requesting 12 additional FTE’s to support the staffing program. These positions will be funded through reallocation of the existing overtime budget, resulting in no additional impact to the overall budget.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Zero impact. Please see attached budget amendment.
Expenses:
Fund: 1661 HC FIRE RESCUE FIRE Department: 02261 HC FIRE RESCUE FIRE
Account:
5101400 Salary & Wages - Overtime -277,200
5101200 Salary & Wages - Regular 187,200
5102300 Life & Health 90,000
Fund: 1691 HC FIRE RESCUE RESCUE Department: 02491 HC FIRE RESCUE RESCUE
Account:
5101400 Salary & Wages - Overtime -277,200
5101200 Salary & Wages - Regular 187,200
5102300 Life & Health 90,000
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority in this matter pursuant to Florida Statutes 125.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve twelve (12) additional FTE’s for the trainee program with zero budget impact.