The City of Owensboro, Daviess County Fiscal Court, and the City of Henderson are collaborating with Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) for the accelerated EMT certificate program.
The program is for new hires of the Owensboro Fire Department, Daviess County Fire Department, and Henderson Fire Department, eliminating the need for an EMT certificate before applying for a position in any of the departments. Participants will now be able to complete a 10-week intensive curriculum, attending classes twice a week while on the job.
Jake Cox, DCFD Battalion Chief and Training/Safety Officer, said the coursework is developed in partnership with OCTC and mirrors the scope and rigor of the traditional EMT program but is designed for faster completion.
“This program allows us to recruit individuals who may not already be EMT-certified, removing a previous barrier to entry,” Cox said. “We’re providing them the opportunity to earn their certification while being paid, which reduces the strain on their families.”
The EMT course covers 150 hours of instruction, testing, and hands-on clinical training, preparing participants for national certification. The program follows a paramedic initiative the agencies launched in recent years and will be hosted at certified training facilities, namely the Airport-Sorgho Fire Department.
“This partnership highlights the value of collaboration,” said Corey Gant, Battalion Chief of Owensboro Fire Department. “By pooling resources and expertise, we’re able to create opportunities for firefighters to grow their skills and enhance their service to the community.”
The program also aligns with the departments’ plans for growth. As DCFD eyes a potential third station, Cox said the ability to train and certify EMTs in-house will ensure they are better equipped to meet increasing demand.
“For us, it’s about building a pipeline of highly skilled emergency responders,” Cox said. “We’re not just hiring firefighters – we’re preparing them to be EMTs, and maybe even paramedics down the line.”
While this program is not open to the public, OCTC continues to offer traditional EMT courses for community members.
“This initiative demonstrates how local governments and institutions can work together to address workforce needs while investing in public safety,” said Cox. “It’s a win for everyone involved.”
Gant emphasized the broader impact of the program on regional emergency preparedness.
“This initiative isn’t just about training our firefighters – it’s about strengthening the safety net for the entire community,” he said. “When we have well-trained first responders who can handle both fire and medical emergencies, everyone benefits.”
New hires for all three departments will begin the EMT program in early 2025.
