Thirty Paramedics and EMTs Graduate from Isothermal Community College

By: Mike Gavin
Published: December 15, 2025

SPINDALE (Dec. 9, 2025) – Thirty new paramedics and emergency medical technicians graduated from Isothermal Community College this week.

The ceremony, held on Wednesday in the college gymnasium, was the first time either program had a public event to award the career certifications. As of this week, all of the graduates who are seeking employment have jobs.

There were 19 students who earned paramedic status: Steven Bess, DeWayne Buff, Thomas Cook, Evan Cross, Tonya Deaton, Jacquelyn Echols, Kelly Fiore, Ashley Fisher, Paraleigh Goff, Michael Heller, Abbie Hollifield, Casey Hunter, Julia Lane, Miranda Navey, Eden Payne, Mary Piercy, Danielle Poore, DaTisha Tate, and Erika Walker.

The 11 EMT graduates are: Sarah Ruth Blackmon, Ashley Hepfer, Aaliyah Hodge, Liam Iwerks, Abdu’L-Karim Nash, Allen Parker, Zkia Perry, Charles Putman, K.J. Rowe, Scarlett Russell, and Kyleigh Vickers.

The students and a large crowd of family and supporters were welcomed by Dr. Scott Queen, Isothermal’s vice president of Economic and Workforce Development. Then instructors Carl McKnight and Michael Crater recognized the class members and the medical director, Ken Suave. The program was closed by instructor Kaleb Johnson, who is also director of Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services.

Isothermal Community College offers numerous Emergency Medical Services programs to fit a student’s schedule. It also offers a variety of specialty courses throughout the year to help enhance EMS knowledge and skills.

For more information or to sign up for the next courses, contact Marnie Beaver at 828-395-1532 or mbeaver@isothermal.edu.