In 1986 – The Police Department began it's Police - Paramedic program in which police officers were hired that also were certified paramedics. The officers needed the Paramedic certification to get hired, and had to keep the certification current to keep their jobs. The idea of the Police - Medic program was that the police officers, also certified paramedics who were out on patrol could respond to medical calls quickly. The program was a great success and saw the hiring of upwards to six officers - medics between 1986 and 1990. IN 1997 The Police - Paramedic program was completely phased out as civilian paramedic program had grown substantially. The Police – Medics were absorbed into the police department, and the Guilderland EMS division was formed.