MVFD Lauds 17 New AEMTs

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

The Moapa Valley Fire Department (MVFD) celebrated another milestone in its organizational history, graduating no less than seventeen advanced emergency medical technicians in its first-ever AEMT certification program. A ceremony took place to celebrate the accomplishment on Friday, May 14 at the Old Overton Gym.

“This is a huge deal!” stated MVFD Chief Stephen Neel. “We had only ten AEMTs and now we have more than doubled that.”

AEMTs are more advanced than EMTs (Emergency Medical Technician), they are allowed to do more and have more authority such as performing IV Therapy, drug dosage/application, performing more methods for constricted airways, and even more.

The graduation event started with a dinner for those who were able to attend, catered by Sugar’s Home Plate. Dinner included chicken hot wings, with salad, and fries/onion rings with multiple desserts including cheesecake, chocolate cake, cookies, and blondies. The highlight of the dinner was the soda station providing all different sodas, flavors, and fruits to follow along with recipes for mixed soda drinks. The celebrators enjoyed a little “bubbly” without the “tipsy.”

“This was a ton of work and lots of time spent,” stated Chief Neel as he began the formal presentation program. “You all have done well and the time has come to celebrate those accomplishments. I am proud of all of you. It is unheard of to have seventeen applicants all graduate such a program.”

The first one called up was the Valedictorian, retired LVMPD Sergeant Bret Empey. “Sarge” graduated from the program with a 97.2% for grades. The following were also graduates: Scott Beckstrand, Erika Beckstrand, Carrie Beckstrand, Alan Haskell, Sadie Simmons (Drollinger), Janell Foster, Andrea Smith, Anna King, Barbara Starnes, Chance Otero, Tyler Waite, Kirstie Shakespear, Jeannette Smith, Linda Finlayson, Johanna (JoJo) Rivera, and Dina Taggart.

“Even though they have graduated, they still have three tests they must pass for state and federal certifications,” said Chief Neel. “It is a celebration today, but tomorrow it’s back to work.”

After the awarding of certificates, the graduates thanked Chief Neel with a gift… his own ride-along fire dog (stuffed animal) with a fire uniform and his favorite soda, Dr. Pepper Creme Soda. Photos were taken and the soda station was again raided once more before everyone retired home.

“This is big,” said graduate Scott Beckstrand. “The last training of this nature was in 2005. We have been promised and waiting on the county to provide another training but it never happened. This is why it is so advantageous to have our own independent fire district.”

“We set out to do more inhouse focus and provide more to the people we serve,” stated Chief Neel, “We are now more applicable and can provide a higher level of service to the community. Most excellent news for Moapa Valley.”