Four Warren County students receive EMT Scholarships

FRONT ROYAL, VA – Four students from area high schools were selected through a competitive process to receive scholarships to enroll in a special Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program next fall. The program is a cooperative venture involving Warren County Fire and Rescue, Warren County Public Schools and Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC), with each agency providing partial funding and other educational resources.

Fire and Rescue Services Chief Richard Mabie recently approved a request for financial assistance for Ty Boyles, Gage Clem, Olivia Phelan and Isaiah Wilt to participate in the program through Blue Ridge Technical Center. Boyles, Phelan and Wilt attend Warren County High School and Clem is a student at Skyline High School. Beginning in August, these students will be taking 17 credit hours of EMT training at LFCC. As part of their training, they will serve as junior fire and rescue volunteers in their communities. While at the fire stations, adult volunteers and career staff will serve as mentors and trainers to reinforce the knowledge and skills introduced in the classroom.

Blue Ridge Technical Center Principal Jane Baker noted, “The caliber of student entering this program from Warren County is excellent. Their strong desire to be a part of our emergency care system is inspiring!”

Chief Mabie observed, “What sets this program apart is the opportunity for practicing EMT skills while volunteering at a fire company. The students who meet their volunteer goals at the fire stations do exceptionally well in the classroom.” Reflecting on the 2018-2019 pilot project that is coming to a close next month, Mabie remarked, “We had some real accomplishments this year, and we also learned some lessons about how to help these young people be successful in the fire stations. We are looking forward to an even better year next time around.”

Jane Baker may be reached at (540) 635-7123 or jcbaker@wcps.k12.va.us to provide details about the cooperative program.

For more information about becoming a fire and rescue volunteer, please contact the Warren County Fire and Rescue Recruitment and Retention Coordinator at (540) 636-3830, or email joinnow@warrencountyfire.com.