HOLLYWOOD, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services celebrated the graduation of its inaugural EMS Training Academy, Class 25-01, on June 30, 2025, at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department. The ceremony honored a group of recruits who completed a rigorous program to become Emergency Medical Technicians, marking a significant step in bolstering the county’s emergency response capabilities.
Under the guidance of Acting EMS Captain Adam Weiss, the graduates dedicated extensive time to honing clinical expertise, teamwork, and customer service skills. The training prepared them for the demands of pre-hospital emergency care, equipping them to serve St. Mary’s County residents effectively. Family, friends, and colleagues attended the event to recognize the recruits’ achievements.
Director of Emergency Services Jennifer Utz and Acting Chief of EMS Amy Bledsoe presented each graduate with an academy certificate, symbolizing their readiness to join the county’s EMS workforce. A highlight of the ceremony was the pinning ritual, where each graduate was pinned by a person or people who inspired and supported them, underscoring the personal significance of their accomplishment.
EMT Colby Fletcher delivered a speech to his classmates, reflecting on the program’s challenges and successes. He highlighted the personal growth and resilience required to complete the academy, emphasizing the dedication that defined Class 25-01’s journey.
The Leonardtown and Hollywood Volunteer Fire Departments received special recognition for their support of the EMS Training Academy. Their contributions, including resources and logistical assistance, were instrumental in the program’s success, strengthening the partnership between the Department of Emergency Services and local volunteer organizations.
The EMS Training Academy, a new initiative by St. Mary’s County, addresses the growing need for qualified emergency medical personnel. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on clinical practice, and field training to prepare recruits for state and national EMT certification. Graduates must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam to practice, ensuring they meet standardized competencies in patient assessment, trauma care, and medical emergencies.
The academy’s establishment reflects a strategic effort to build a sustainable pipeline of trained professionals, reducing reliance on external hiring and enhancing local capacity. The program’s curriculum, developed in alignment with Maryland’s EMS protocols, emphasizes skills like cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management, and patient transport, tailored to the county’s rural and suburban needs.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department’s community hall, provided a fitting venue for the event. The department, a long-standing partner in the county’s public safety network, has supported training initiatives for decades. Similarly, the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department’s involvement underscores the collaborative model that defines St. Mary’s County’s emergency services, where career and volunteer units work together to ensure coverage across the 360-square-mile region.
The procedural aspects of the academy’s development involved coordination with the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, which oversees EMS training statewide. The program secured funding through county budgets and grants, allowing for equipment, instructors, and clinical partnerships with local hospitals. Recruits underwent hundreds of hours of training, including simulations and ride-alongs with experienced paramedics, to build confidence in high-pressure scenarios.
Legally, EMTs in Maryland operate under strict regulations, requiring certification and adherence to protocols defined by the state’s EMS Board. Graduates of Class 25-01 will work under medical direction from regional hospitals, ensuring oversight of their clinical decisions. As noted in the training description, the academy’s focus on customer service aligns with national trends emphasizing compassionate care, particularly in diverse communities like St. Mary’s County.
The pinning ceremony, a tradition in EMS and firefighting graduations, carries deep symbolic weight. By choosing their pinners—often family members, mentors, or colleagues—graduates acknowledge the support systems that sustained them. This moment, coupled with Fletcher’s speech, highlighted the human element of EMS work, where personal commitment translates into community impact.
The Department of Emergency Services plans to continue the academy, with future classes expected to build on Class 25-01’s foundation. The program’s success depends on ongoing partnerships with volunteer fire departments and regional training facilities, as well as recruitment efforts to attract diverse candidates. The county’s investment in the academy signals a long-term commitment to public safety, addressing challenges like staff shortages and increasing call volumes.
Class 25-01’s graduation marks a milestone for St. Mary’s County, adding skilled EMTs to its emergency services roster. Their training, supported by community partners, positions them to enhance the county’s ability to respond to emergencies, from medical crises to natural disasters, ensuring residents receive timely and professional care.
