SKCTC shows appreciation for emergency medical services cohort
Published on February 18, 2026
BARBOURVILLE, Ky. — Students preparing to enter the emergency medical services field
were recognized during a special event held Feb. 11, at Southeast Kentucky Community
& Technical College’s Knox Campus, celebrating those entering one of the nation’s
most critically needed professions.
Before class began, faculty, staff, and community members took time to thank EMS students
for their commitment to serving their communities through emergency medical care.
The recognition also highlighted the strong partnerships that made the training program
possible, including support from the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program
(EKCEP), Knox County Economic Opportunity Council (KCEOC), and Knox County leadership.
“EKCEP is proud to partner with Southeast to support this EMT training program,” said
EKCEP Executive Director Becky Carnes-Miller. “Emergency medical professionals are
vital to our communities, and the need for skilled providers continues to grow. Through
this partnership, we're investing in a stronger emergency response workforce for our
region, and we look forward to continuing this work together.”
Knox County Judge Executive Mike Mitchell also emphasized the importance of collaboration
in addressing workforce and public safety needs.
“It’s very exciting to see the participation between Southeast, EKCEP and KCEOC,”
Mitchell said. “This represents and shows great strength within our county and region
to provide training to first responders and for the future needs of emergency preparedness
for our residents.”
KCEOC played a key role in ensuring student access and success by funding the class
and providing uniforms so every student could participate. The Knox County Ambulance
Service was also present at the event, offering students a hands-on look at an ambulance
and sharing real-world insights into emergency medical response. Local ambulance service
leadership noted a growing and urgent need for additional EMTs in the region.
EMS students stand with local partners and Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College faculty and staff in front of a Knox County Ambulance Service vehicle during a recognition event Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the college’s Knox Campus in Barbourville, Ky.
