Thirteen men and women graduated from Huntsville Emergency Medical Services' EMS Academy on Monday.
It's the largest class of graduates that HEMSI has ever seen, but there are still plenty of openings for more people to join the field.
"As soon as I get in, I realized I was going to love it," said graduate Braden Boyd. "One ride on an ambulance, and I knew this was for me."
The city's newest round of first responders is ready to help save lives in the community.
It's HEMSI's fifth graduating class from the program.
The audience was filled with family and friends of the graduates.
"This is the largest academy that we've had to date," HEMSI CEO Jon Howell said. "This is the most diverse academy that we've had, and most importantly, we started with 13 new soon-to-be EMTs and we're finishing with 13 new soon-to-be EMTs."
The free program is 10 weeks long.
With the highest call volume in the region, HEMSI says it still has several more positions to fill, including for emergency medical technicians, advanced EMTs and paramedics.
"They're actually getting a full-time job being a student," HEMSI COO Dea Calce said. "We actually are paying them the same hourly rate that they would make once they graduate as EMTs."
Ladesha Walton just graduated and is encouraging anyone who wants to join HEMSI to "come along!"
"What inspired me to get in this program is the fact that I have always wanted to be a lifesaver, from the very beginning," Walton said. "I heard about the program, and I decided to take a leap of faith, and it has been great."
Boyd agreed, already speaking very highly of HEMSI.
"With this job, I actually feel like I am genuinely doing something, and it makes me very happy to know that I can help the people around me, because things are going to happen," Boyd said. "I can't help whether they happen or not, but I can help what happens after."
Walton, Boyd and their classmates are now required to pass the national registry exam.
Four have already done so.
Once they are licensed in Alabama, the graduates will transition to work as full-time EMTs.
"There is really no better calling than that of service to your community," Howell said.
"Enjoy this moment, but remember: The best is yet to come," Academy Coordinator Bruce Swanson said.
If you're interested in joining HEMSI, you can apply .
The next academy starts Jan. 9, 2023.
