COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Bobbie J. Kimelton, Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT:Title
Action: Ratification of Firefighter/Paramedic Apprenticeship Contract with Kyle Crowe (Bobbie Kimelton)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
General Fund
PURPOSE:
To consider the ratification of a Firefighter/Paramedic Apprenticeship Contract.
BACKGROUND
The creation of the Firefighter/Paramedic Apprenticeship Program is intended to provide the opportunity for individuals with no directly related skills to prepare for a career within the Fire Department, tailored for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the fire emergency medical service. This program provides the participants with the opportunity to gain practical and educational experience to assume this role while developing essential skills in a structured environment. Participation in the program is limited to four years with a possible one-year extension. Participants must successfully complete all education and participation requirements established by the program. Failure to successfully progress may result in removal from the program and termination of the contract. While serving as an apprentice, selected candidates will interact with professional members of the Lake Havasu City Fire Department and will receive both formal and informal mentorship from fire service professionals.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The Firefighter/Paramedic Apprenticeship Program combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to recruit, build and retain individuals in preparation for an important, highly skilled career as Firefighter/Paramedic. The establishment of this program will create a labor pipeline providing an opportunity for young adults to remain in Lake Havasu City and to master the skills and competencies required to enter this occupation. This program will include partnerships with the local hospital as well as local, state, and community colleges to ensure that the training received by participants in the Apprenticeship Program embody the industry standards for the profession.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$65,675 per year for a period not to exceed five years. Funding is allocated and available in the Fire Department, General Fund budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27. For FY 2027-28 and every year thereafter, the salary is eligible for wage increases based on attainment of practical skills and education requirements, if the Apprentice is progressing satisfactorily through the program.
ATTACHMENTS:
Apprenticeship Contract
POSSIBLE MOTION:Recommended ACtion
I move to ratify the Firefighter/Paramedic Apprenticeship Contract with Kyle Crowe and authorize City staff to renew the Contract for up to four additional one-year terms.
I move not to ratify the Firefighter/Paramedic Apprenticeship Contract with Kyle Crowe.