Alex Swanson’s Paramedic Program Graduation Ceremony, November 15, 2019

Eldest son Alex has been an Orange County Fire Authority firefighter since 12/19/15, and completed his Paramedic Program at Saddleback College, supported by multiple fire departments, hospitals, and medical centers in Orange County. The Paramedic Class 81 included 24 graduating firefighters, and celebrating faculty, family and friends gathered at the College’s McKinney Theater for the impressive ceremony. The graduating class was led in by a bagpiper, with remarks by Randy Hardick, director of the program, Class Speaker Jason Frappier, with remarks by Jeff Lopez, Battalion Chief/EMS, Huntington Beach Fire. Certificates were presented by Alicia Kirk, EMS Education Program Specialist, Patty Gleed, RN, MSN, Faculty, as well as Director Hardick.
An entertaining slide show followed, highlighting the several months of training, both classroom, laboratory, hospital, and in the fire stations, and included examples of IV starting on each other, delivering a baby using a mannequin, trauma instruction, as well as lighter moments to ease the intensity of the program.
The ceremony concluded with time to celebrate with family and friends, and photo-ops for all (including with my grandson Jackson!)