Board approves employment agreement for tactical paramedic to support SWAT

The Muncie City Board of Public Works and Safety on March 4 approved an employment agreement to add a tactical paramedic to the Muncie City Police SWAT team.

Chief Sloan told the board the department selected Ryan Ballard as a candidate after a background investigation and training verification and that Ballard has been appointed as a special officer through the Muncie Police Department merit commission. Chief Sloan described the role as providing immediate medical care for officers and the public during deployments, noting the risks when a medic is not available.

Board members asked about compensation. Chief Sloan and staff identified the pay rate in the agreement as $52 per hour; staff estimated that, given limited callouts last year, aggregate annual cost would be modest (roughly several thousand dollars if Ballard responds to every callout). After discussion the board moved and carried approval of the agreement.

The agreement will be processed by the police department and the finance office for payroll and scheduling of callouts.