143.03 CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.
   (a) All regular firefighters and Captains hired by the City prior to September 1, 1997 are required to obtain and maintain Ohio state certification as full-time firefighters, and Emergency Medical Technicians.
      (1)   All regular firefighters and Captains hired prior to September 1, 1997 wishing to become paramedics may take the paramedic training program. All course fees and travel expenses only will be paid by the City to a paramedic program designated by the Fire Chief.
   (b) All regular firefighters hired by the City after September 1, 1997 are required to obtain and maintain state certification as full-time firefighters and paramedics.
   (c)    All persons hired by the City after January 1, 2017 are required to maintain state certification as full-time firefighters and paramedics. If, at the time of appointment to the department a new member does not possess the required paramedic certification the member shall enroll in a paramedic class within six (6) months of their hire date and they must obtain and maintain all required certifications within thirty-six (36) months of their hire date, during which time they shall remain on probation until they obtain proper certification.
      (1)    All members needing to obtain their paramedic certification shall be financially responsible for all tuition, books, and fees associated with the class required for certification.
         (Ord. 23-15. Passed 3-6-23.)