Story by Bridget Weishaar
EMS Lieutenant

Jack Bez and Joseph Petrowicz, both members of Gamber & Community Fire Co., graduated the Emergency Services Training (EST) Program to become certified as Emergency Medical Technicians. The program ran from February to May of 2019 as part of a concurrent enrollment program offered to high school students. Its annual Family Skills Night was held on Friday, May 24, 2019 and graduation was held on Friday, May 31, 2019.

During Family Skills Night, Jack and Joseph, along with other students from the program, participated in numerous demonstrations to showcase the skills they mastered. Demonstrations included a child locked in a vehicle, patient care for an overdose, and rescuing a person trapped in a vehicle after being involved in a vehicle collision. There was a brief break to allow students to spend time with their family and friends as well as a few special guests including Carroll County Commissioner Eric Bouchat, Westminster High School Principal John Baugher, and Gary Campbell from Manns Woodward who helped design the training center complex.

After a short break, the students regrouped for the last three demonstrations of the evening to include a propane tank fire, a medical emergency, and a house fire. Under the supervision of the EST Coordinator, numerous instructors, and a safety officer, the students were able to have a successful evening showcasing their skills for family and friends to enjoy.

During the graduation ceremony, family and friends witnessed the achievements of the students as well as the long-lasting friendships that developed over the course of the program. The evening began with a procession of the students, the National Anthem, and a reading of the Firefighter’s Prayer by student Jack Bez. EST Coordinator Alan Barnes gave a brief overview of the program, the training the students received, and the sense of commitment, family, and pride that comes from being a part of the fire service.

Commissioner Dennis Frazier and Andy Levy, the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) North Central Regional Coordinator were also in attendance. Andy Levy spoke about the EST program being a foundation and that it is up to each individual student to build on that foundation. The EST program is sponsored by MFRI, and the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association (CCVESA).

Jack and Joseph received certificates of achievement and are now eligible to take the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician exam. Successful completion of the program can offer transferable college credits to the University of Maryland University College. Another option would be Articulated College Credits that were a negotiated agreement with select local colleges. Graduating students will have the opportunity to become certified Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT's).

Congratulations to Jack and Joseph on their accomplishment and joining the numerous volunteers within the Gamber & Community Fire Company.

The EST program is offered each year to interested high school seniors. It runs from noon until 3:00 pm during each school day as part of the concurrent enrollment program. For more information visit www.ccvesa.org and click on the emergency services training tab or email est@ccvesa.org.