Graduates of Western Nevada College’s Paramedic program were given a warm salute and send-off into a profession that makes communities safer with an important layer of emergency care that they provide.

The Paramedic Graduation Class of 2023 was recognized on Feb. 11 in WNC’s Carson Nugget Hall. A number of speakers took the time to honor the seven graduates, who included Ryan Baker, Tyler Elam, Garet Giovacchini, Sarah Harter, Rick Lopez, Adrian Lopez-Meraz and Jorge Negrete-Chavez.   

WNC Interim President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, Paramedic Program Coordinator and Instructor Terry Mendez, Paramedic Instructor Melissa Leist and Medical Director Dr. Dale Carrison (D.O.) delivered reverential messages to the graduates.

Mendez is proud of his third group of graduates and emphasized how important they are to the communities they serve.

“Cohort No. 3 has completed a grueling 12-month program that included classroom, hospital and field work to prepare for the National Registry Certification Exam,” Mendez said. “Many have been hired already by local and regional EMS agencies and are working to make their communities safer and healthier. Many will continue to complete their AAS degree and maintain lifelong learning.”

Baker, who also spoke at the ceremony, credited the program for its accessibility and the people who deliver it.

“So stoked on this program, especially because of the people! Terry, Ellie (Dutton), Dale, and Mel are top notch,” he said. “The flexibility with Zoom classes made this program especially appealing.”

Baker was working for the federal government as a wildland firefighter with ambitions to become a structure firefighter. A buddy who was in the second graduation cohort told him about WNC’s program, encouraging him to gain a special set of skills to enhance his future employment opportunities. And it has!

“I have already been hired with Carson City Fire Department and have been working for some time,” Baker said. “I am planning to take the national registry test soon and acquire my paramedic license.”

For more information about WNC’s Paramedicine program, please contact Mendez at terry.mendez@wnc.edu or 775-445-3231 and Student Services at counseling@wnc.edu or 775-445-3267.

Western Nevada College Interim President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, right, congratulates graduate Jorge Negrete-Chavez during Western's Paramedic Graduation Ceremony on Feb. 11 in Carson City. 

WNC Paramedic Coordinator/Instructor Terry Mendez speaks during Western's Paramedic Graduation Ceremony on Feb. 11 in Carson City.