From the Star-Telegram: The Arlington (Texas) Fire Department has eliminated its requirement that prospective firefighters already be trained in emergency medical procedures. The decision was made because nearly 40% of the city's sworn firefighters are eligible for retirement.

The city now will pay for firefighters to get their required EMT-Intermediate certification, which is just below paramedic status, as well as their firefighter certification.

The department is accepting applications through Aug. 31 and will consider the first 2,000. Applicants must pay a $50 entry testing fee, the first charged by a department in Dallas-Fort Worth. The department will use the fee to pay for the EMT-I certification.