New York Sheriff Pushes EMT Training for Deputies

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace is moving forward with plans to have his deputies certified as emergency medical technicians.

He reviewed the plans Wednesday with members of the county legislature’s Public Safety Committee. Gerace and Undersheriff Charles Holder presented a proposal that would include training for the deputies as early as this fall.

They said they have applied to New York State to become an EMT-accredited agency so the county can be reimbursed for training costs.

The sheriff said instructors from Jamestown Community College or Fredonia State College would teach the program.

“Eventually, we would like to make EMT training part of the academy,” said Gerace.

The sheriff said his department is compiling information about how often deputies respond to situations that require medical training and how often they assist EMTs.

In other news, volunteer firefighters will benefit from a $130,000 grant approved by the committee that will cover tuition reimbursement for volunteer firefighters who attend college classes and maintain a 2.0 average or better.

Legislature Chairman Jay Gould, R-Ashville, asked that the committee consider forming a subcommittee on environmental issues.

He said topics such hydro-fracking, lake studies, pollution and the county landfill could be on the subcommitte’s agenda.