Leesburg, VA. - The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System is honored to announce the graduation of 80 first responders personnel who successfully completed various levels of fire and rescue training. A graduation ceremony was held on Monday, March 25th, 2019 at Heritage High School in Leesburg and recognized the accomplishments of numerous men and women who have made the commitment to serve their communities.
Eight students completed the Emergency Medical Responder course, 22 completed the Emergency Medical Technician, 10 completed the advanced EMT course, 15 completed the paramedic course, and 24 students completed the Firefighter I-II course. All of the graduates spent countless hours over the last six months in demanding training programs preparing for Loudoun County, Virginia State and National Certification examinations.
System Chief Keith H. Johnson, Board of Supervisor Chair At-Large Phyllis Randall, Leesburg District Supervisor Kristen Umstattd, Algonkian District Supervisor Suzanne Volpe, and County Administrator Tim Hemstreet attended the ceremony to recognize the graduates. Chair Randall addressed the graduates, recognizing them as true heroes in our community and urged our heroes to reach out for help when they need support in this stressful occupation. “You are worth it, those who love you are worth it, and we need you,” said Randall.
Supervisor Umstattd recounted her personal experience of how fire rescue personnel came to the aide and provided emergency care to her loved ones. “Our anxiety disappears when you arrive because we have confidence in your skills and abilities,” said Umstattd. All speakers graciously thanked the graduates for their time and dedication given to the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System.
During the ceremony each class coordinator presented awards to the top student in each class. Top students are chosen for their high level of dedication, academic performance, punctuality, and their ability to lead and motivate others. The top students recognized during the ceremony included: Emergency Medical Responder: Gabriel Fulton, Round Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue; Emergency Medical Technician: Nicholas Mets, Leesburg Volunteer Fire; Advanced Emergency Medical Technician: Amanda Palmieri, Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad; Emergency Medical Technician to Paramedic : Cody Simpson, Loudoun County Fire Rescue; Intermediate to Paramedic: Jason Dice, Loudoun County Fire Rescue; Firefighter I-II: James Biddle, Sterling Volunteer Fire Company.
March 2019 Top Students
Top Student Photo L-R: Tim Hemstreet, County Administrator; Leesburg District Supervisor Kristin Umstattd; Chair Phyllis Randall BOS; James Biddle Sterling Fire; Gabriel Fulton Round Hill Fire-Rescue; Nicholas Mets Leesburg Fire; Amanda Palmieri Purcellville Rescue; Cody Simpson Loudoun County Fire Rescue; Chief Keith Johnson Loudoun County Combined Fire-Rescue System. Photo credit: Gary Corpuz.
A complete listing of the 2019 Spring Graduates can be found here. For more information about the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System visit www.loudoun.gov/fire or to learn about fire and rescue volunteer opportunities visit www.OpenNewDoors.org.
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