ENROLLED
H. B. 2878

(By Delegates Webster, Brown, Walters,
Amores, Caputo and Smirl)
[Passed March 8, 2003; in effect ninety days from passage.]

AN ACT to amend article fifteen, chapter eight of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty-one, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated section twenty-a, relating to civil service for municipal firefighters generally; allowing certain municipalities providing advanced life support ambulance services to examine, train and employ firefighter paramedics; and requiring firefighter paramedics to maintain a paramedic license and complete all required fire service training.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That article fifteen, chapter eight of the code of West Virginia, one thousand nine hundred thirty-one, as amended be amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated section twenty-a, to read as follows:

ARTICLE 15. FIRE FIGHTING; FIRE COMPANIES AND DEPARTMENTS; CIVIL SERVICE FOR PAID FIRE DEPARTMENTS.

§8-15-20a. Special examination for firefighter paramedic.
(a) A municipality with a firefighter's civil service commission providing an advanced life support ambulance service licensed by the state health department may also administer a special examination for the position of firefighter paramedic.
(b) An applicant for the position of firefighter paramedic shall: (1) Be a certified paramedic; (2) successfully pass the firefighter paramedic examination; and (3) meet the requirements of section seventeen of this article

.
(c) Any person employed as a firefighter paramedic under the provisions of this section shall: (1) Maintain paramedic certification; (2) complete all required fire service training; and (3) comply with all other provisions of this article applicable to the continued employment of firefighters.
(d) Every position of firefighter paramedic, unless filled by promotion, reinstatement, reduction or a current firefighter, shall be filled only in the manner specified in section twenty of this article.