By Michael Ryan
CATSKILL - If a unified ambulance system is ever going to become a reality in Greene County, an important prerequisite step has been taken.
Greene County Legislature members have launched a “Heroes Needed” program aimed at recruiting paramedics and paying for their required
training, up to $14,500 for each candidate.
Twenty scholarships are available, adding to a similar initiative aimed at prospective Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s).
The incentives have emerged from talks between lawmakers, municipal leaders and emergency response professionals held over the past two years related to the condition of ambulance services.
It is widely believed the creation of a countywide ambulance system is inevitable, eliminating financially burdensome, town-operated units.
Preparations were underway to make that happen as soon as 2026 before two significant obstacles reared their heads; the overall cost and the presence of enough workers to support the new system.
Plans were therefore slowed, and the Heroes Needed initiative is expected to provide a real-world look at the potential for an all-encompassing operation having a ballpark figure of $12-15 million.
“There are a lot of steps involved, moving to a county system,” legislature chairman Patrick Linger said in a phone interview.
“If we can’t find the people to do it that would be a problem so we’re putting the word out, ‘we will train you,’ and see where this goes,” Linger said.
Hoping for a happy ending, an advertising and marketing campaign is in full swing, featuring billboards around the county, social media and digital ads, and collateral pieces with scannable QR codes to enable interested persons to apply for the program,” a county press release states.
“Paramedics are our front-line in responding to emergencies resulting from injuries and the need for them has never been higher,” legislature Majority Leader Matthew Luvera stated in the release.
“This program is designed to eliminate financial barriers for those who want to serve, while at the same time adding vital professionals to our local workforce,” Luvera stated.
Scholarship requirements include successfully completing an accredited paramedic program that has been approved by the county, and passing the NYS Department of Health (DOH) Division of Emergency Medical Services certification exams, the release states.
Award recipients agree to actively serve as a paramedic within Greene County for a provider with a [Certificate of Need] for at least four years.
“This program will accelerate the process of getting trained first-responders serving in our communities that need them most,” legislature Minority Leader Harry Lennon states in the release.
“It also gives them a chance to develop strong local connections, and hopefully continue serving beyond their four-year agreement,” Lennon states.
Linger, in the release, states, “Greene County urgently needs more paramedics to make sure our Emergency Response capabilities can meet the needs of our residents and visitors.
“This legislative initiative will help us ensure that these needs are met throughout our towns and villages,” Linger states.
Employment would not be limited to a countywide ambulance although it would likely carryover if and when the new system is in place.
High school guidance counsellors throughout the county have been made aware of the program, according to county administrator Shaun Groden.
“We know we are understaffed [in many ambulance squads in the county] Groden said in a phone interview. “The concept is, we grow our own.”
Prospective applicants for this program can find more information, as well as download the application and service agreement, by contacting the Greene County Department of Human Resources at https://greenecountyny.gov/greene-county-paramedic-training-awards/
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