UPDATE: The third cohort of fire medic students has officially graduated from the Street to Station Program at Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC). This milestone was celebrated during a pinning ceremony on January 27, 2026, at the Thomas County Board of Commissioners meeting, marking the completion of rigorous training in emergency services.
The newly certified firefighters, including Brett Gilliard from Ochlocknee, Satchel Goodrich from Thomasville, Joshua King from Camilla, and others, have successfully completed approximately 320 hours of intensive training. This encompassed classroom instruction, practical skills development, live fire training, hazardous materials operations, and CPR certification.
“This achievement highlights our unwavering commitment to addressing critical workforce needs in our area,” stated Amy Davis, vice president for economic development at SRTC. The program not only equips students with essential firefighting skills but also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive emergency medical training.
As these graduates move forward to pursue their Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) training, they will continue to engage in valuable, hands-on learning experiences under the mentorship of seasoned professionals at Thomas County Emergency Services. This unique blend of work-based training and classroom education is designed to ensure that students are workforce-ready upon completion of their studies.
The Street to Station Program, initiated in September 2023, combines paid work opportunities with academic instruction, allowing participants to earn while they learn. This dual approach not only fosters practical experience but also cultivates a strong theoretical foundation in emergency services.
Since its inception in 2021, SRTC’s Apprenticeship Program has attracted participation from 34 local businesses and successfully trained over 200 apprentices across various fields, including healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing. Currently, SRTC has 100 students engaged in apprenticeships with local organizations, contributing significantly to the development of Georgia’s workforce.
The success of the Street to Station Program is bolstered by several grants aimed at enhancing the skills of Georgia’s workforce, ensuring that individuals are prepared for careers in vital industries. As these new firefighters step into their roles, they represent the future of emergency services in the region—ready to respond to the community’s needs with skill and dedication.
Keep an eye on the ongoing developments in SRTC’s apprenticeship initiatives, as more students are set to graduate and enter the workforce, further strengthening local emergency services and related industries.