Napa Valley College's first paramedic program will have a home in American Canyon.

The American Canyon City Council has approved the use of American Canyon's fire station on James Road for the new program.

The program, which could start in fall 2008 and be open to about 20 students, will meet the community's need for more paramedics, according to Napa Valley College EMT instructor Ted Peterson and Amy LaPan, dean of Napa Valley College's Health Occupations Department.

"I think we really have community support for this project," LaPan said.

American Canyon Fire Chief Glen Weeks said the paramedic program will offer young people a new career opportunity in American Canyon. The closest paramedic program is in Santa Rosa, he said.

"There aren't that many paramedics schools," Weeks said.

Weeks, one of two paramedics in his 17-member fire department, said the district wants to have more paramedics/firefighters.

Peterson, battalion chief for the Novato Fire Protection District, said Novato Fire Protection District hires paramedics and trains them to become firefighters.

The program is funded by a $400,000 grant from the California Community Chancellor's Office, LaPan said. The grant is for two years and American Canyon's fire department will not charge rent.

Students enrolled in the 18-month paramedics program will also be allowed to receive credits for Napa Valley College's registered nursing program.

At the vote last week, American Canyon City Council members were enthusiastic about using space at the James Road fire station for a new paramedic classes.

"I think it's quite wonderful," Mayor Leon Garcia said. "I'm really excited about this."

Weeks said the fire station on James Road will continue to be used as a training facility for fire rescue classes for the district and other agencies after the city's firefighters move to a new Public Safety Building.

Firefighters will move to the new public safety building on Donaldson Way East as soon as the traffic lights at that intersection are installed, possibly either late this month or in November, according to the city.