Fire chief proposes EMR minimum standard for suppression personnel; phased implementation to 2027

Chief Freddie Montgomery told the council Jan. 6 that Clarksville Fire Rescue will raise the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification to a minimum requirement for suppression personnel. The change is aimed at improving the department’s ability to respond to medical calls, which account for the majority of its runs.

Chief Montgomery said the department has about 84 employees currently paid below an EMR base, 51 personnel already certified, 16 recruits in the academy and another 15 staff members slated for certification by Jan. 1, 2027. He described a three‑phase implementation plan that the department can carry out without new funds in this fiscal year and estimated the first phase would cost about $181,000 over the remainder of the fiscal year. Full implementation is planned by 2027‑01‑01.

Council members praised the plan during committee reports and thanked the chief for pursuing a change that increases on‑scene medical capacity. The plan includes pay adjustments to align personnel with the new EMR minimum.