City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) Six City of Talladega firefighters recently completed an intensive two-month Emergency Medical Technician - Basic course at Central Alabama Community College (CACC).  The training program included classroom work as well as clinicals with NorthStar Paramedic Services and Oxford Health Systems.

The inaugural group of firefighters to complete the course at CACC included C Shift Captain Ron Harrell, Cross Davis, Braden Foy, Clay Jones, Marcus Sizemore, and Wesley Sparks.

City Manager Derrick Swanson said, "I applaud our firefighters for their commitment to continuous growth. Through their outstanding service, they demonstrate their love for our community on a daily basis. Through their desire and willingness to obtain additional training, they prove that they are ready to have an even greater impact.”

"This training is the first step towards becoming an Advanced Life Support department. Plans are underway to send a second group through the EMT training, and we also look forward to additional classes for those who just completed their training,” said Fire Chief Danny Warwick, who also praised the six firefighters.

“All of the students have successfully passed the class and earned the opportunity to now take the NREMT (national registry of emergency medical technicians) test. Upon successful completion of the exam, they become licensed EMT’s,” said Warren C. Duke III, the course instructor.

“Our goal moving forward is to be able to offer a higher level of training at the advanced EMT and paramedic levels. We would also like to offer continuing education courses such as pediatric advanced life support, advanced cardiac life support, and an emergency vehicle operator course, to name a few,” Duke added.