Four recipients selected for North Central EMS paramedic scholarships

Oct. 7—NORWALK — Fisher-Titus and North Central EMS have selected four recipients for this year's Paramedic Scholarship program. The recipients are Jacob Paynter, Hope McCoy, Allie Trifiletti and Nick Kinnard.

"We are excited to award scholarships to these four deserving EMTs," said Ashley Ballah, director, North Central EMS. "Our first round of scholarship recipients graduated this past winter and are doing great. They have all excelled and have proven to be excellent paramedics. With this next group starting the program soon and another recipient graduating this winter, we are excited to have all of them serving the community as paramedics."

This is the third year for the Fisher-Titus Paramedic Scholarship Program. Each year, North Central partners with EHOVE to pay tuition in full for recipients to complete their paramedic program with EHOVE. North Central supports the time off employees need for their classes and they are guaranteed a position as a paramedic following graduation.

Employees complete an application which includes questions about why they want to pursue their paramedic certification as well as submitting references. To be chosen for the scholarship, the employee must be in good standing and continue to work full-time as an EMT while attending school to become a paramedic. Recipients of the scholarship also sign an agreement committing to working for North Central EMS for three years following their certification.

"This program is a not only an asset to our employees but also to us as an organization," Ballah explained. "It helps us gain highly skilled medics in a competitive environment where there are national shortages. Recipients also do all their clinical rotations at North Central and continue working as an EMT so when they earn their certification, they are familiar with the organization, our protocols, and our charting system."

This year's recipients have expressed their excitement and gratitude for having been chosen.

"This scholarship helps take the financial stress off the progression of my career," said Jacob Paynter, who has been an EMT with North Central EMS for about a year and a half. "My favorite part of this job is that every time we go on a run it's always something different — one shift is never like the next. Through this program I am able to further my career with North Central EMS and I am grateful to be on that path."

Hope McCoy, who has been with North Central EMS since earning her EMT certification earlier this year, shared a similar sentiment.

"This scholarship is a blessing for me and I'm honored to have been chosen," McCoy said. "My favorite part of my job is giving back to the community while building strong relationships with my partners and co-workers. I decided to pursue the paramedic scholarship because I figured it was a great opportunity to further my career and gain more knowledge in my field."

"I enjoy going out, helping people, and improving the community, no matter how small the impact may be," Nick Kinnard said of his job. Kinnard has been and EMT for more than six years and has been with North Central EMS for just over three years. "Pursuing my paramedic certification means that I can further my education to do more for the community, and receiving this scholarship will allow me to focus on studying more than worrying about finances."

"Our employees are our greatest assets," said Ballah. "We are proud to be able to offer this program to help develop our employees and support their growth in their emergency medical careers."

If you are interested in a career with North Central EMS, visit fishertitus.org/careers.