Detroit Fire Department Celebrates Graduation of First Department-Run Paramedic Class
Source: Detroit Fire Department
DETROIT—The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) celebrated the graduation of its first-ever department-run paramedic class Thursday, January 8, 2026, marking a major milestone in the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency medical services and expand access to advanced lifesaving care for Detroit residents and visitors.
A total of 28 Detroit Fire Department members successfully completed the rigorous program. Most graduates have already passed the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Paramedic examination, with the remaining members scheduled to complete testing in the coming weeks.
"This is a proud moment for the Detroit Fire Department and for the City of Detroit,” said Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms. “By bringing this high level of paramedic training directly to on-duty members, DFD is leading the way in the state of Michigan. This program not only strengthens our workforce, but ensures our residents receive the highest level of emergency medical care when they need it most.”
Following graduation, each newly certified paramedic will be paired with an experienced DFD paramedic for three to four months of field training. Once cleared, they will staff ambulances alongside EMTs, increasing the number of advanced life support (ALS) units available across the city.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield praised the graduates and emphasized the broader impact of the program on public health and safety. “Here in Detroit, we are focused on ensuring our residents have access to the highest possible level of care,” Sheffield said. “I am incredibly pleased that these members have taken advantage of this opportunity to further their careers while continuing to serve our community. Their commitment strengthens our emergency response system and directly benefits the people of Detroit.”
DFD’s paramedic course is rigorous. It compresses work typically done over the period of nearly two years into 10 months.
“This accomplishment reflects months of discipline, commitment, and sacrifice,” said Chief Jamal Mickles, Training Division. “Our members balanced demanding work schedules with intense academic and clinical requirements, and they rose to the challenge. I could not be prouder of the dedication and the professionalism they’ve demonstrated throughout this process.”
The Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP) for the Commission of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accreditation is required to run an advanced paramedic class and can be difficult to attain for many institutions. This challenge was overcome thanks to a partnership between Wayne County Community College District and the Detroit Fire Department, allowing the DFD Regional Training Center to become an authorized WCCCD Alternate education center for paramedicine. Through the agreement, members of the Detroit Fire Department can receive college credits for their Fire and EMS certifications and fast-track them to an associate degree in applied science.
Building on the success of the inaugural class, the Detroit Fire Department announced that an additional 20 members are ready to fill the next paramedic class, which is scheduled to begin later this month.
The department-run paramedic program represents a significant investment in workforce development, operational readiness, and the long-term sustainability of Detroit’s emergency medical services.
