Arkansas City Fire/EMS has added three new paramedics to its ranks following the graduation of three firefighters from Cowley College’s Emergency Medical Education Paramedic Program.
Austyn Butler, Cutter Plush and Patrick Rodke were among nine graduates recognized Tuesday during a ceremony at Cowley College’s Arkansas City campus. The graduates made up the program’s 47th class, which began training in August 2025.
The yearlong program includes more than 1,200 hours of classroom instruction, hospital clinical rotations and field internships. Butler, Plush and Rodke completed the training while continuing to serve with Arkansas City Fire/EMS.
Butler was named the recipient of the Slade Griffiths Honor Graduate Award, presented to the student with the highest academic achievement in the class. Continue below ad.
All three firefighters also received the program’s Paramedic Challenge Coin, a tradition recognizing the dedication and perseverance required to complete the training.
“To have three members of the department willing to step up and accept the challenge of becoming paramedics for this community speaks volumes about Austyn, Cutter and Patrick’s character and their commitment to serving Arkansas City,” Fire Chief Stuart Cassaboom said. “Our community should be proud of their accomplishments. We are proud of each of them and look forward to the difference they will make.”
With the addition of Butler, Plush and Rodke, Arkansas City Fire/EMS expands its ability to provide advanced life support services throughout Arkansas City and Cowley County.
