Area fire departments, medical authorities and ambulance services welcomed 18 new paramedics into their ranks this spring, all of them graduates of Yavapai College’s latest paramedic program cohort.
The graduates of the program that trains area first responders to perform life-saving feats during emergency calls were feted at a completion ceremony earlier this month at the Yavapai College Prescott Campus.
YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine was among the celebrants, congratulating the new paramedics for making it through “grueling coursework, endless lab hours and countless practice scenarios.” Praising them for bringing “calm, care and competence” to people on what may be the worst day of their life, Rhine told the new paramedics: “You are the steady hands, the reassuring voice, the ones who don’t run away from emergencies, but toward them. You don’t just save lives, you show up over and over again for strangers who desperately need someone to care.”
In his congratulatory remarks, YC EMS Program Medical Director Dr. Chris Lampe asked the graduates to never forget how it feels to celebrate earning the title paramedic and never underestimate how much they will inspire others over the course of their careers.
Taylor Oest, the lead instructor for Cohort 18 who has since been named director of EMS at YC, divulged in her remarks that her last group of students told her early on that they were going to be her best class ever. “And if I am being completely honest, they were right. Class 18, you have been my best and last class as the lead instructor. That’s bittersweet. Which makes tonight just a little extra meaningful for me. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to watch each of you grow, not just in skill, but in confidence, your leadership, and your compassion. And truthfully, I’ve grown alongside you. You’ve challenged me to be better, to stay curious, and to keep showing up with heart. For that, I thank you.”
Delivering the keynote address at the paramedic completion ceremony was Alexander Lewis, YC Associate Dean of Public Services. He said Paramedic Cohort 18 stood out for being the first to complete the newly restructured, intensive two-semester program and for helping the college sail through a resulting reaccreditation process.
“Cohort 18, you are leaving behind more than a legacy. You’ve helped build a foundation that will serve students and communities for years to come. You’ve proven what’s possible in EMS education, and you’ve raised the bar for everyone who follows. Today, we don’t just celebrate the completion of a program; we celebrate your growth, your transformation, and your readiness to lead with skill, compassion, and courage. We are proud of you. We believe in you. And we can’t wait to see the impact you will make in the world,” Lewis said.
Following are the graduates of Yavapai College Paramedic Cohort 18 and the first-responder agencies they represent:
Travis Adcock, Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District; Matthew Dalcerro, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority; Kaden Dougan, Prescott Fire Department; Daniel Dulin, Prescott Fire Department; Jonathan Dwyer, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority; Matthew Gonzalez, Prescott Fire Department; Loretta James, Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District; Randall Justus, Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District; Jacob Loaiza, Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District; Nelson Lopez, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority; Kyle Lund, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority; Taylor Mathews, Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District; Jacob McIntire, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority; Noah Medrano, Prescott Fire Department; William Tate Nall, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority; Mason Siebe, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority; Kris Smith, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority; and Logan Yardley, Guardian Medical Transport.
For information about YC Emergency Medical Service programs, visit yc.edu/ems.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.