Woodford County Fiscal Court and Woodford County Public Schools Partner to Create EMS Training Pipeline

WOODFORD COUNTY FISCAL COURT AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARTNER

TO CREATE EMS TRAINING PIPELINE 

VERSAILLES, Ky. — The Woodford County Fiscal Court and Woodford County Public Schools are excited to announce a new partnership aimed at creating a direct pipeline for students to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and serve their community as first responders. This innovative program will provide high school students with the training and certification needed to enter a rewarding career in emergency medical services, ensuring a vital link between local education and workforce development.

The initiative addresses the growing need for skilled medical professionals and offers students a clear path to employment right here in Woodford County and beyond. By providing this training at the high school level, the program gives our young people a head start on a career that is both personally fulfilling and essential to public safety. This collaboration highlights workforce investment and the power of working together to invest in the future of the community.

“This partnership is a game-changer for Woodford County,” said Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay. “By working with Woodford County Public Schools, we’re not only giving our children a fantastic opportunity to start a viable career right out of high school, but we’re also building a stronger, more resilient community. This program is about investing in the future, providing a path for our young people to stay here, work here, and, most importantly, save lives here. It shows that when we work together, we can achieve great things for the next generation.” 

“I am incredibly proud of this collaboration,” said Woodford County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Lori Jones. “This is a perfect example of what can happen when we come together to create opportunities for our students. This program will equip our graduates with critical skills and a clear career pathway, connecting their education directly to meaningful employment. We are not just preparing students for a job; we are preparing them to be vital members of our community’s emergency response team.”

“EMS is the critical link between a medical emergency and definitive medical care,” said Freeman Bailey, Director of Woodford County EMS. “Our paramedics and EMTs are the first line of defense, providing life-saving care in the most stressful situations. This new pipeline from our schools will ensure we have a steady stream of dedicated and well-trained professionals ready to answer the call. It is an investment in our community’s health and safety, and we are thrilled to welcome these new recruits into our ranks.”

Woodford County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is on the rise as one of the best services in Kentucky. “That is our goal: To be the best and to recruit, train and employ the best,” Director Freeman Bailey said, “Because being the best means saving lives and caring for people in times of tragedy, emergency and urgent need.”

Emergency Medical Services are a cornerstone of modern healthcare and public safety. They provide immediate medical care to people in need, often in critical situations, and transport them safely to hospitals. EMTs respond to a wide range of emergencies, including accidents, heart attacks, strokes, car collisions, and other medical crises. The skills and dedication of these professionals are essential to the well-being of any community, making a career in EMS both a noble calling and a crucial service.

Woodford County has a history of recruiting, training and enlisting local students to join Woodford EMS. Assistant EMS Director Kent Berry, retired Paramedic Supervisor Chad Ford, and many other first responders started their career paths at Woodford County High School, going on to serve and save lives here at home.

“We have the best and brightest in our schools, and homegrown Paramedics and EMTs make the best candidates for our service.” Judge/Executive James Kay emphasized, “When you are driving an ambulance and responding, it makes all the difference if you know the county and know the people you are serving. The personal advantage of working where you were raised cuts response times, increases understanding and builds in personal connections that only come from growing up in Woodford County.”

“Partnering with the County and City on first responder careers paths for students is a win for our schools, our students and our community.” Superintendent Dr. Lori Jones remarked, “It is a big part of why I wanted to come to Woodford County to be a part of the cutting edge of education that will make a difference across the board.”