by Sylene Argent
Essex-Windsor EMS rolled out the red carpet to welcome 19 newly hired paramedics during a Commencement Ceremony hosted at the Essex County Civic and Education Centre last Friday afternoon.
The Essex-Windsor EMS recruitment and orientation processes are extensive. Candidates were required to pass a written test, complete a comprehensive paramedic practical evaluation, and be successful in a qualifying interview and physical fitness evaluation.
Last fall, Essex-Windsor EMS embarked on a large recruitment. The organization received over 300 applicants from across the nation as a result. In March, Essex-Windsor EMS hosted a similar ceremony, welcoming 22 new candidates.
“It is just the beginning,” Chief Bruce Krauter said to the new candidates. “You are now starting a new journey, a new path; and it will twist and turn for you as you start in your new career. The path will give you pride, gratification, and honour in what you do.”
Krauter also recognized the County of Essex and its affiliated municipalities for recognizing the need to hire the new recruits.
The new recruits are: Cody Armstrong, Taylor Babkirk, Tyler Ceballo, Chanelle Champagne, Christopher Deschaine, Amanpreet Dhanjoon, Luca Distefano, Carson Haynes, Jack Hayward, Adam Knight, Mitchell Laird, Amy Lutsch, Simon Pickering, Inkaran Ramesh, Angie Ramos, Donald Ranchuk, Selena Redekop, Jamie Sharpe, and Marisa Stratis.