Springfield Fire Deputy Chief David Wells, Police Deputy Chief Rupert Daniel, City Councilors Lavar Click-Bruce and Kateri Walsh, Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt, and representatives from State Senator Adam Gomez's Office and State Representatives Carlos Gonzalez, Orlando Ramos and Angelo Puppolo's Offices were also in attendance.
Mayor Sarno states, “Congratulations to all the members of the graduating class of AMR’s Earn While You Learn Program. This 11th class has been a tremendous success and they are looking forward to starting their careers as an EMT. I am very proud of the graduates and appreciative of AMR’s continued belief and investment in our Springfield along with their partnership working with the city of Springfield, responding to any and all health-related calls.”
First launched in August 2019, the Earn While You Learn program is designed to make an easier transition for those wanting to become EMS professionals. Participants are hired as employees and compensated while attending AMR’s EMT-Basic certification course. Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining their state certification, participants are promoted to EMT-B with a commensurate pay increase.