Roane State paramedic student of the year Joey Smith (center) is congratulated by Roane State President Chris Whaley (left) and Roger Brooksbank with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine. (Photo by Roane State Community College)
Joey Smith of the Oak Ridge Fire Department has been named Roane State Community College’s paramedic student of the year.
Roger Brooksbank with TeamHealth Emergency Medicine presented the award to Smith during Roane State’s annual Knoxville paramedic program luncheon. Students completing the paramedic program were recognized at the event, which was sponsored by TeamHealth.
Smith has been an emergency medical technician for eight years. He decided to go back to school last fall to become a paramedic. Smith said he appreciated the support he’s received from the Oak Ridge Fire Department and from his family as he has juggled work and school.
“This is an excellent program to be in,” Smith said. “The instructors are down-to-earth, open, and friendly. They are there for you, and they support you.”
Smith started as a first responder and has stayed in emergency medicine because the career gives him opportunities to help people.
“You get to help somebody on their absolute worst day,” Smith said. “What you do can affect the rest of their life. I just try to make a positive impact.”
To learn more about Roane State’s paramedic program and other emergency medical services programs, visit www.roanestate.edu/ems.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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