Authorized educational achievement of police officer or firefighter.

The legislative authority of a municipal corporation may, by ordinance, adopt a plan granting an increase in salary for authorized educational achievement attained prior to original appointment or during service by a policeman or fireman. Such a plan shall define the areas of education which qualify, set standards, and shall be applied uniformly among members of the police or fire department. Such areas of education shall be related to law enforcement and firefighting, respectively. Only successful completion of a qualified course of education shall be required. In the event of a dispute as to the application of such plan, the municipal civil service commission shall hear and determine the issue upon request. Such a salary increase may raise the total compensation of a policeman or fireman above the salary to which he would otherwise be entitled by his rank and years of service. An increase in salary granted under this section shall not be deemed a promotion and shall not invoke the promotion procedures otherwise required by sections 124.44 to 124.49 of the Revised Code.