CHC Celebrates 85th Paramedic Class Graduation

REDLANDS>> After completing a 10-month paramedic program, 15 graduates graduated from Crafton Hills College July 14, making it the college's 85th class to graduate. This year’s 15 graduates include: Wyatt Bensiek from Corona, Brandon Chavez from Canyon Lake, Travis Guyse from Beaumont, Scott Kehrlein from Yucaipa, Brandon Kleijne from Highland, Erik Lee from Upland, Nicholas Leyva from Highland, Matthew Miller from Highland, Megan O’Connor from Colton, Michael Russo from Rancho Cucamonga, John Stein from Rancho Cucamonga, Michael Sottlemyer from Grand Terrace, Kevin Tait from Highland, Cody Wenger from Rancho Cucamonga and Taylor Zeitz from Redlands. Upon graduation this summer, each graduate completed the paramedic program by attending classes Monday-Thursday and completing 600 hours of field work. Dan Word, director of Emergency Medical Services at CHS, said although the summer ceremony was more relaxed, it was great and featured many speakers including Dr. Bryan Reece, Vice President of Instruction at Crafton, and class speakers. Word said he is proud of the graduates' willingness to take challenges on including a restructure in the program and changes on campus. "I am proud of their persistence," Word said. "85 represents the 85th class and since we began, we have two programs a year and have become the first fully accredited program in Southern California." Run under the auspices of the Emergency Medical Services division, the CHC Paramedic Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions. As one of the 113 colleges in the California community college system, CHC is committed to providing citizens in the region with an accessible higher education. The philosophy of California's community colleges is that education is the key to better jobs, a better economy and a better quality of life. CHC offers more than 50 degree programs and 25 occupational certificate plans. For more information, go to www.craftonhills.edu.