Two Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department members have completed Cowley College’s Emergency Medical Education Paramedic Program, earning their paramedic certification during a graduation ceremony Aug. 20 in Wellington.
Firefighter/EMTs Will Hankins and Jaxson Slater were part of the program’s 45th graduating class. The year-long course requires more than 1,200 hours of classroom training, hospital clinicals and field internships. Both men balanced the program with their full-time duties at the department.
Hankins was named the Slade Griffiths Honor Graduate, awarded to the student with the highest academic achievement. Both graduates also received the program’s Paramedic Challenge Coin, recognizing their perseverance.
“This program is demanding for a reason—it produces paramedics who are ready for the challenges of the job,” Fire Chief Stuart Cassaboom said. “Will and Jaxson have shown the discipline and commitment it takes to succeed, and I’m proud to see them take this next step in serving Arkansas City.”
With their graduation, Hankins and Slater join the department’s roster of paramedics, expanding its ability to provide advanced life support in Arkansas City and Cowley County.
Two Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department members have completed Cowley College’s Emergency Medical Education Paramedic Program, earning their paramedic certification during a graduation ceremony Wednesday in Wellington.
Firefighter/EMTs Will Hankins and Jaxson Slater were part of the program’s 45th graduating class. The year-long course requires more than 1,200 hours of classroom training, hospital clinicals and field internships. Both men balanced the program with their full-time duties at the department.
Hankins was named the Slade Griffiths Honor Graduate, awarded to the student with the highest academic achievement. Both graduates also received the program’s Paramedic Challenge Coin, recognizing their perseverance.
“This program is demanding for a reason—it produces paramedics who are ready for the challenges of the job,” Fire Chief Stuart Cassaboom said. “Will and Jaxson have shown the discipline and commitment it takes to succeed, and I’m proud to see them take this next step in serving Arkansas City.”
With their graduation, Hankins and Slater join the department’s roster of paramedics, expanding its ability to provide advanced life support in Arkansas City and Cowley County.
ABOVE PHOTO: Firefighter/EMTs Jaxson Slater, left, and Will Hankins, right, and have completed the Cowley College Emergency Medical Education Paramedic Program, officially earning the title of Paramedic during the graduation ceremony held August 20, 2025, at the Cowley College Short Education Center in Wellington. During the ceremony, Hankins was recognized as the Slade Griffiths Honor Graduate, an award presented to the student with the highest academic achievement.
