Verde Valley News – Ten new Yavapai College-trained paramedics have added life-saving skills to their credentials, advancing in their roles for first-responder agencies in our communities.
The 10 men and women celebrated their accomplishment with loved ones, YC Faculty and staff during a graduation ceremony earlier this month.
In her congratulatory remarks, YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine told the paramedic grads she is inspired by their dedication, perseverance and hard work. “Graduates, you have chosen a path that demands courage, resilience and an unwavering commitment to serving others. I have no doubt that you will rise to meet these demands and make us all proud.”
Dr. Marylou Mercado, YC Vice President of Workforce Development and Health Sciences, honored the “extraordinary” new paramedic graduates, sharing in her remarks her reverence for first responders based on personal experience. Recounting an emergency medical call involving her now-late father, Dr. Marcado said the paramedics’ skill gave her father more time with his family. “Your role in people’s lives is critical. You bring immediate, life-saving medical care to situations where every second matters. But your impact goes beyond the technical. With your words, your demeanor and your presence, you provide comfort and reassurance to patients and their loved ones during moments of crisis.”
Dr. Chris Lampe, an emergency room physician and YC EMS Medical Program Director, said he enjoyed every minute of working with the graduates during their training. “You finished a very difficult course with full-time jobs and families and that’s really commendable.”
Lampe also praised YC’s paramedic program, faculty and staff saying, “you guys are unbelievably well trained, this is the best program I’ve ever seen and I’m honored to be part of it.”
The Fall 2024 YC Paramedic Program graduates and their first-responder agencies are:
- Damien Bassett, Cottonwood Fire Department
- Taber Buckley, Verde Valley Fire District
- Keely Bunch, Priority Ambulance
- Ethan Church, Verde Valley Fire District
- Joseph Giampaoli, Prescott Fire Department
- Daniel Hampton, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
- Kenneth Kubrock, Cottonwood Fire Department
- Tim Parrish, Prescott Fire Department
- Josh Redfern, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority
- Bryanna Truett, Verde Valley Ambulance Company
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