Volunteers to receive stipends

Council members for the Town of Cathlamet passed a resolution last Monday that supports local volunteers for the Cathlamet Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department in the form of a stipend.

Though they are still considered volunteers, drivers and firefighters may now expect to receive $5 for each call they respond to, Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) will get $10 per call, Emergency Medical Technicians can expect $20 per call and Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMT) will receive $30 per call. Level IV techs can expect $25 per call.

An EMR will receive $40 for working on call during a day shift, and and EMT can make $75 for working on call during a day shift.

Mayor David Olson expressed his appreciation to the work EMS volunteers do to keep the community safe.

“I think it’s a good thing that we’re putting it forward so there is an incentive to get more certification,” Council Member Robert Stowe said.