VIDEO: For more than 50 years, Saint Michael’s students have volunteered with the college’s Fire and Rescue department, sacrificing evenings, weekends and school breaks to serve the local community. Now, with emergency response agencies across Vermont facing critical workforce shortages, Saint Michael’s College is stepping up to meet the moment, launching a new emergency services minor aimed at preparing the next generation of first responders.
The program, made possible by a $240,736 grant, is the result of two years of research and collaboration with EMS professionals across the state. The funding will also support a new donor-funded full-time position, significantly expanding course offerings. This investment will effectively double the number of classes available, not only for students pursuing careers in emergency services like fire, rescue and law enforcement, but also for community members interested in emergency preparedness.
“This donation is going to allow us to offer EMT and advanced EMT courses every semester in the evening for our community partners,” said Kate Soons, director of health sciences and the emergency services program. “It’s a way to give back to the students who volunteer.” The curriculum blends classroom learning with hands-on experience, giving students access to college credit, certifications and leadership training.
Saint Michael’s has long thrived as a family-oriented, service-driven campus, led by dedicated volunteers and leaders committed to both the department and the greater community. The new program is being led by Soons herself, who has deep personal and professional ties to Saint Michael’s. She once taught Shannon Maloney and Kyle Wentzel, both now serving as fire and rescue chiefs at the college. “It opens a door for you to build your confidence and your engagement with the community,” said Maloney. Wentzel added, “You can go through an entire career and never be an expert; you’re always learning.” For Soons, who is part of a long line of Saint Michael’s graduates, including her parents, husband and son, the initiative is as personal as it is professional. “The highlight of my career is being able to come back and build something with the full support of this institution,” she said.
The college hopes the program will become a model for rural EMS education across the country. Every emergency services class is currently full, with waitlists for each course. A social media campaign is in the works, and the emergency services minor officially launches this fall.
