New EMTs graduate at Allan Hancock’s Public Safety Training Complex in Lompoc

LOMPOC, Calif. - A new batch of medical professionals graduated in Lompoc this morning.

29 cadets received completion certificates from Allan Hancock College’s Emergency Medical Services academy Thursday morning.

“Tears of joy too because they're off on their journey, you know, and one day they're going to be taking care of me, maybe. I want them to be excellent and I want them to be happy,” says Susan Roehl, E.M.S. instructor.

After sixteen weeks of intensive education and training, the cadets have passed a national test. 

“Definitely not easy. One of the hardest things. I came from, as a student didn't have any really good grades in high school,” says Antonio Navarro, graduate.

They are now registered emergency medical technicians.

“To actually get an award at this at this EMT academy, which was speechless. Amazing,” says Navarro.

Instructors and cadets agree the work is challenging yet highly rewarding, and the training strengthens your character beyond work or academics.

“We teach you how to be an EMT, to teach you the skills. We can’t teach you how to be a kind person. We can only encourage your choices,” says Roehl.

“I met a lot of people, good people here helped me in this program and I have a great instructor, Susan, with this whole program,” says Navarro.

The program welcomes anyone with interest in emergency medical science, and has a long history of molding new generations of skilled public servants.

“I love teaching and I love to empower them to grow and be better. And I always want them to shoot for here, not here,” says Roehl.