Verde Valley News – In a dignified but festive ceremony brightened by proud family members and friends, sixteen Yavapai College Emergency Medical Service students received their completion certificates and now return to serve their local communities as certified paramedics. Yavapai College congratulates the men and women who completed their rigorous Paramedic Training Program and graduated Thursday, July 25 at the Prescott Campus.
“You have chosen a path that demands courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.” Yavapai College EMS Program Director Alexander Lewis BAS, NPR, CEP, said in his remarks. “I have no doubt that you will rise to meet these demands and make us all proud.”
Mr. Lewis spoke at a ceremony that featured addresses from YC’s Vice President of Workforce Development and Health Sciences Dr. Marylou Mercado; and student speaker Marshall Cazaly; as well as specialty awards presented to adjunct instructors Tyler Johnson and Janine Jaber.
The sixteen-person cohort, fourteen men and two women, are trained EMS students now qualified as paramedics to perform life-saving measures within their communities. Many are already affiliated with first-responder agencies like the Prescott Fire Department; the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority; the Copper Canyon Fire District; and the Groom Creek and Cottonwood Fire Departments.
Yavapai College’s 2024 Paramedic graduates are:
- Wyatt Blair, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
- Marshall Cazaly, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
- Jennifer Cuevas, Copper Canyon Fire District
- Kassidy Fichter
- James Germond, Verde Valley Ambulance Company
- Ryan Huber, Priority Ambulance
- Valentine Jimenez, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
- Kyle Lobaugh, Copper Canyon Fire District
- Zachary Morgan
- Thom Muniz, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
- Felix Padilla, Prescott Fire Department
- Christopher Pena, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
- Spencer Smith, Prescott Fire Department
- Garrett Stretton, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
- Robert Tillman, Groom Creek Fire Department
- Kevin Wallace, Cottonwood Fire Department
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.