By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter
jeff.waters@gaflnews.com
With 24 employees, Suwannee County Fire/Rescue was charging taxpayers up to $15,000 a year for training, according to fire chief and public safety director Charlie Conner.
Conner, who took over the post several weeks ago, has found a way to save the taxpayers about $800 per employee, per year with a new online training program called Target Safety Training. All training classes are conducted online, so not only are travel expenses (especially for gasoline) eliminated, but a live instructor does not have to be paid. The cost to each employee is just $105. Paramedics and EMTs can be recertified through the on-line classes as well, said Conner.
Firefighters can also learn how to deal with hazardous material through online classes, Conner said. By contrast, bringing in a live instructor could cost up to $4,000.
"This is the most current and best training without having to bring a live trainer in," Conner said. "This is the best training possible we can give at the best possible price."
In addition to saving travel expenses, Conner said overtime pay will be reduced considerably. "The overtime issue (with) Suwannee County Fire/Rescue is outrageous," Conner said. "This is a way to save the taxpayer money."
