Three Cove firefighters complete paramedic certificate program

Special to the Leader-Press

Central Texas College celebrated 17 students on Thursday for completing the college’s paramedic certificate program. 

Among them are Copperas Cove firefighters Zachary Wirth, Joey Pecorilla, and Garrett Dutschmann.

Completion of the 13-month, 31-credit hour program prepared the students to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians paramedic exam to become certified paramedics.

Most of the students are already employed by local fire departments and emergency medical service companies, according to Ryan Baker, the Paramedicine program director. Obtaining this certificate from CTC is required to keep their job, and in some cases will help advance their careers.

“More importantly, this certification will afford them the opportunity to direct and manage the critically ill and injured in the pre-hospital setting,” Baker said. “I am confident in their abilities, not as a faculty member, but as a citizen who may be a patient of theirs one day. This is not only a big day for the graduates and their families, but for all of us who live in the area.”   

Several students earned extra recognition at Thursday’s ceremony.

Caleb Madole was honored as class valedictorian while Nathan Barnhart and William Carlton tied for salutatorian honors.

CTC adjunct professor Brandi Wolfe was named clinical instructor of the year. Josh Holdstock, also a CTC faculty member, earned skills instructor of the year. Devan Menix of the Killeen Fire Department was honored as EMS preceptor of the year. 

Spring 2024 paramedic graduates are: Nathan Barnhart, William Carlton, Jacob Collum, John Dutschmann, Jessica Embry, Joseph Flack, Ryan Fritz, Christian Glockner, Bradley Koenig, Weldon Krause, Caleb Madole, Zane McCollum,  Adrian Mora, Joseph Pecorilla, Christina Roehrig, Rocklon Welch and Zachary Wirth.

CTC offers EMT-Paramedic program courses during the fall and spring semesters. Students can enter the one-year certificate of completion or two-year associate degree program (60 credit hours), both for credit. In addition to coursework, students participate in various clinicals and practicums.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions. 

For more information about applying, contact the CTC Department of Health Sciences at (254) 526-1266.