Over 30 emergency service students and 14 Roaring Fork High School students will be honored Friday evening during a combined Colorado Mountain College graduation ceremony at the Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District Training Facility.

The event will recognize graduates from Colorado Mountain College’s Fire Academy and EMT-B programs alongside high school students who completed the Principles of Emergency Services class through a concurrent enrollment program.

“It’s great to see these students complete the rigorous training needed to earn state certifications and move closer to their career goals,” said David Hickel, associate dean for EMS and fire science at CMC. 

High school students in the concurrent enrollment program completed a three-credit college course held at Carbondale Fire. The class provided an introduction to emergency services and allowed students to explore both firefighting and healthcare pathways.

“These students get a firsthand look at what it’s like to be a firefighter or EMT,” Hickel said. “It also opens their eyes to how certifications in these fields can lead to meaningful and well-paying careers.”

Some of the high school graduates plan to continue their education immediately.

“About six of these students will move on to the EMT-B program next spring,” Hickel said. “Others are leveraging this experience to pursue careers in nursing, becoming physician assistants, or even physicians. It’s a great stepping stone for them.”

The EMT-B and Fire Academy programs are intensive, requiring 12 credit hours of coursework. Fire Academy students focus on Firefighter I and hazardous materials training, while EMT-B students prepare to test for national registry certification and state licensure.

“These programs are demanding, and for students to manage them alongside work and personal commitments is a huge accomplishment,” Hickel said.

While EMT-B training has been a staple at Colorado Mountain College, the Fire Academy in Carbondale is newer.

“This is only our third year offering fire science in Carbondale,” Hickel said. “It’s exciting to see students from the high school program already trickling into our more substantial programming.”

Hickel also emphasized the importance of local partnerships in the success of these programs.

“All the local fire departments and EMS organizations have been huge supporters,” Hickel said. “Many of their employees serve as instructors, creating a cool system where organizations provide the training that prepares the next wave of professionals.”

The ceremony will celebrate students’ achievements and the broader impact of these programs on the community. For some graduates, the night represents the start of a lifelong career in emergency services.

“It’s a big moment for them and for our community,” Hickel said. “We’re proud of all their hard work and dedication.”