Subject:
Title
Updated agreement for Tactical Paramedic Program Support between the Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services Authority and the Pinellas County Sheriff.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the updated Tactical Paramedic Program Support Agreement between the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority and the Pinellas County Sheriff.
• Tactical Paramedics have been embedded with the Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team since 1986. The Tactical Medic program has been highly successful.
• In 2020, the Sheriff began directly employing Tactical Paramedics, and EMS reimbursed the Sheriff for the salaries as well as continued responsibility for vehicles and related costs through the Tactical Paramedic Program Agreement.
• A simplified cost-sharing approach has been developed to address increased demand, enhanced efficiency, and ensure long-term program sustainability.
• Updates include EMS funding adjustment, alignment of reallocation of certain expenses to the Sheriff, and a new five-year term retroactive to October 1, 2024.
• The initial term of this agreement shall be for 5 years, commencing October 1, 2024 and ending at midnight September 30, 2029, unless earlier terminated as provided for in agreement, and may be extended for an additional 5-year period.
• Funding for this Support Agreement is budgeted in the FY25 EMS Fund in Safety and Emergency Services in the amount of $155,000 and in the FY26 Budget Request in the amount of $155,000.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach.
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support.
Summary:
Tactical Paramedics have been embedded with the Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team since 1986. The Tactical Medic program has been highly successful.
In 2020, the Sheriff began directly employing Tactical Paramedics, and EMS reimbursed the Sheriff for the salaries as well as continued responsibility for vehicles and related costs through the Tactical Paramedic Program Agreement.
A simplified cost-sharing approach has been developed to address increased demand, enhanced efficiency, and ensure long-term program sustainability. Updates include EMS funding adjustment, alignment of reallocation of certain expenses to the Sheriff, and a new five-year term retroactive to October 1, 2024.
The initial term of this agreement shall be for 5 years, commencing October 1, 2024 and ending at midnight September 30, 2029, unless earlier terminated as provided for in agreement, and may be extended for an additional 5-year period.
Background/Explanation:
On June 23, 2020, the County Administrator approved the original Tactical Paramedic Program Support Agreement between the EMS Authority and the Pinellas County Sheriff, transferring support responsibilities for the Sheriff’s Tactical Paramedics to the EMS Authority.
In response and to meet growing demands and streamline operations, EMS and Sheriff staff collaborated to realign the Tactical Paramedic Program and develop a cost-sharing model reflecting current needs and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Key updates in the Tactical Paramedic Program Support Agreement include:
• The total EMS salary benefit and conference cost reimbursement is capped at $155,000.00 for FY24-25 and FY25-26, plus an inflation adjustment beginning on October 1, 2026, and each October 1 thereafter, the annual compensation shall be adjusted by the percentage increase in the Municipal Cost Index as of March each year for the most recent 12 months up to 5%.
• Alignment of law enforcement-related costs to the Sheriff’s budget which will align with responsibilities to improve operational efficiency:
- PPE (e.g., bulletproof vests, helmets, gas masks, etc.)
- Uniforms.
- Vehicle Maintenance and fuel.
• EMS Support Continuity: The EMS Authority continues to provide support, including medical direction, medical equipment, vehicle reimbursement, and funding support for the team members.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding for this Support Agreement is budgeted in the FY25 EMS Fund in Safety and Emergency Services in the amount of $155,000 and in the FY26 Budget Request in the amount of $155,000 along with a $115,000 capital request to replace a SWAT vehicle also in the FY26 request.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
James G. Fogarty, Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Attachments:
Proposed Agreement for Tactical Paramedic Program Support
Proposed Agreement for Tactical Paramedic Program Support - Redline
Agreement for Tactical Paramedic Program Support (May 2020)