McDowell Tech Law Enforcement And Emergency Medical Graduates
Volunteered Tirelessly During Hurricane Helene
Students from McDowell Technical Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Program and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program graduated from their respective programs on Friday, December 13th, with instructors and administrators praising the graduates as some of the best students they have ever had the pleasure of teaching. But the thing that made them stand head-and-shoulders above many of their peers from recent graduating classes was their extraordinary volunteer service during the days following Hurricane Helene.
“These students,” said Dr. J.W. Kelley, MTCC President, “spent countless hours running calls with seasoned law enforcement and emergency medical service personnel throughout McDowell County, assisting with search and rescue efforts, rendering medical first aid, directing traffic, packaging and distributing supplies in the county’s warehouse command center, and countless other activities. Even when the college was able to resume classes, these students doubled and tripled up on their training hours so that they could continue to assist wherever they were needed during those critical days.
“Even as students, they exhibited leadership skills that will serve them well as they enter professions dedicated to care and service to others.”
Keynote speaker Captain Randy Deaton of the NC State Highway Patrol offered sage advice to the 14 graduates of the BLET program, while instructors, along with Director Alan Moore, presented honors to students in firearms training, driver training, physical fitness and academics. Mason Alexander McPeters received the physical fitness award; Christopher Joseph Mooney, the director’s award; and Houston Conner Sailors, the firearms training, driver training and academic honors awards. Instructor and SBI Agent Justin Carter received this year’s instructor honors, an award voted on by students in the program, recognizing the instructor whom they believe had the most impact on their future career in law enforcement.
During the EMS graduation, 23 students were honored for completing the EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) program, with another 7 students going a step further to complete the paramedic program. Captain David Cable of Burke County EMS, himself a 2002 McDowell Tech graduate, was keynote speaker for the evening. Eugene Edwards, Director of Emergency Medical Services; Donnie Tipton, Clinical Coordinator; William Kehler, Lead Instructor and McDowell Tech Trustee; and Brenda Agreda, Instructor, each commended the graduates for rising to the challenges presented by Hurricane Helene and providing meaningful service to the citizens of McDowell County during this crisis.
Graduates of both the BLET and EMS programs have a strong record of success in passing state exams and job placement in their respective fields. Successive classes in the BLET program have achieved first-time pass rates of 95-100% on state exams, with 100% job placement for graduates of the program. MTCC Paramedic graduates typically have a 100% first-time pass rate on state exams and similar job placement rates. Of the current class, for example, all paramedic graduates are already employed, with five of the seven paramedic working for McDowell Emergency Services, with two working in Caldwell and Cleveland counties.
“Congratulations to the BLET and EMS Classes of 2024,” said Kelley. “Your service to McDowell County, the college and our citizens has already proven that you are worthy leaders in our community, and we look forward to many more years of faithful service in your new careers. Godspeed to you all!”
The next BLET class will begin on February 10th, 2025. Prospective students should contact Marty McNeely at 828-652-0633 or [email protected]. The next two EMT classes will begin on January 7th (evening) and 8th (day), 2025. For more information, contact Eugene Edwards at 828-659-0422 or [email protected]. Prospective paramedic students may also contact Edwards to register for the next paramedic class beginning in August, 2025.
