THOMASVILLE- In a continuing commitment to excellence in education and workforce development, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) proudly announces the advancement of its latest cohort of fire medic students in the Street to Station Program. This is the second cohort of the Street to Station Program with Thomas County Emergency Services, which aims to train fire medics or individuals who are cross-trained in both fire rescue and emergency medical services. These students were honored at a pinning ceremony held at the Thomas County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, marking the successful completion of comprehensive Firefighter 1 training.

The newly certified firefighters include Yeilin Roblero-Garcia of Pavo, Shaquille Coleman of Ochlocknee, Juan Hernandez of Boston, Jared Robinson of Thomasville, Dimitrius Myrick of Thomasville, Demarious Walker of Boston, and Garrett Morrell of Thomasville.

These individuals have completed approximately 320 hours of training, encompassing classroom instruction, skills development, live fire training, hazardous materials awareness and operations, Incident Command System protocols, and CPR certification.

“The success of our Street to Station Program exemplifies SRTC’s dedication to meeting critical workforce needs within our service area,” said Amy Carter, Special Assistant to the President. “The achievement of this second cohort further validates our commitment to providing essential emergency services training to our communities.”

As these firefighters progress to their Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) training through SRTC, they will continue to benefit from the program’s comprehensive work-based learning approach. Under the guidance of experienced professionals at Thomas County Emergency Services, these trainees will gain invaluable practical experience while pursuing their educational coursework.

The Street to Station Program, which launched its first successful cohort in September 2023, maintains its distinctive advantage of allowing participants to earn while they learn, combining paid work opportunities with classroom instruction. Under the guidance of seasoned mentors and professionals at Thomas County Emergency Services, apprentices will gain invaluable experience while concurrently pursuing educational coursework. This dual approach ensures that apprentices not only receive practical, on-the-job training but also attain a solid theoretical foundation in their field of expertise. The apprenticeship model is a comprehensive work-based learning program designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Since its inception in 2021, SRTC’s Apprenticeship Program has attracted the participation of 34 area businesses and trained over 170 apprentices. SRTC currently has 100 students placed in apprenticeships with local businesses and organizations in the areas of healthcare, automotive, and transportation. The apprenticeship program was made possible by several grants that provide funding for apprenticeships that upskill Georgia’s workforce into careers in industries key to the state’s economy.

Southern Regional Technical College offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get students quickly into their desired careers, and 28 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, interested individuals can log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205 – 3449.

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