Trending
Warren City Council members have unanimously approved the appointment of new Fire Chief Jeremy Rulander as the city's new emergency management coordinator and separately approved a memorandum of understanding that will allow city firefighters to pursue Advanced Emergency Medical Technician certification.
The two measures were approved during Monday's City Council meeting.
Council approved the designation of Rulander as the city's emergency management coordinator, following the retirement of previous coordinator, Chief David Krogler.
Pennsylvania's Emergency Management Services Code requires political subdivisions to designate a trained Emergency Management Coordinator.
During discussion, council members asked whether the city would also appoint a deputy coordinator. However, both Krogler and Rulander said that they believe there is no immediate need for a deputy, noting that the city previously had a secondary position but that much of the emergency-management planning work has already been completed.
Rulander will have one year from the date of his appointment to complete the required training. The training consists primarily of online coursework, although some in-person classes also are required.
City manager Mike Holtz emphasized the importance of having a trained coordinator in place, particularly in the event of a disaster when the city may need to access state or federal assistance.
The training itself is not expected to create a significant expense for the city, although some travel costs could be associated with required in-person sessions.
Council also unanimously approved a proposed memorandum of understanding between the city and International Association of Firefighters Local 537 concerning Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), certification for city firefighters.
Currently, the Warren Fire Department responds to emergency medical calls at the basic life support level. Advanced life support services are provided through Emergycare under a joint billing agreement.
City officials said the city has been exploring ways to expand its own EMS capabilities and eventually provide advanced life support services directly.
During 2024 contract negotiations, the city and firefighters union agreed to language establishing a paramedic position, with the goal of encouraging firefighters to obtain paramedic certification. Officials later determined that the education and training required to become a paramedic was more extensive than initially anticipated.
The city and union subsequently identified AEMT certification as a potential first step toward providing intermediate advanced life support services.
The Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania Inc. is expected to offer an AEMT course to Warren firefighters beginning in November.
Krogler said eight to 10 firefighters have expressed interest in the training. The initial goal had been to enroll six firefighters.
The training will use a hybrid format, with some coursework conducted online and 100 hours of required clinical training. Krogler stated that they are exploring arrangements with Warren General Hospital and other emergency service agencies to provide opportunities for the required clinical and road experience.
During discussion, council members asked how AEMT-level service would affect the city's current reliance on outside paramedic services.
Krogler officials explained that not every emergency medical call requires a paramedic-level response. Certain calls, including many cardiac and stroke cases, would continue to require a full paramedic response, while a significant portion of other calls could potentially be handled at the intermediate ALS level.
Warren currently relies on outside ALS services for 232 calls per year. They said they believe more than half of those calls, and potentially as many as 75%, could meet the criteria for an intermediate ALS response, although the city does not currently track calls according to that classification.
The initiative could allow the city to handle more EMS calls internally while potentially reducing demand on countywide paramedic resources.
They also pointed to broader concerns about EMS staffing and availability in the region as a reason for expanding the fire department's capabilities.
The AEMT training is expected to take at least six months to complete, depending in part on how firefighters schedule their required clinical hours.
The memorandum of understanding also establishes additional compensation for employees who enroll in and successfully complete the AEMT course.
The council approved both agreements unanimously.