Ocean County officials announced the creation of a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Academy aimed at tackling the statewide shortage of trained EMS professionals and strengthening the county’s emergency response capabilities.
Housed at the Ocean County Fire and EMS Training Center, the Academy welcomed its inaugural class of 20 students in September. The program marks a proactive investment in the county’s public safety network, supporting both volunteer and career emergency responders.
“We know that the landscape of emergency medical services is changing, both statewide and nationally,” said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Fire and EMS Training Center. “Here in Ocean County, we wanted to be intentional and proactive. The EMS Academy enables us to develop our own talent, support our volunteer and career teams, and ensure we’re prepared for the future.”
Arace emphasized that the program is about community and resilience: “What makes this program so meaningful is that these students are training to help their neighbors. They’re investing in their community, and we’re investing in them. That’s how you build a strong and resilient emergency response network—by working together and planning ahead.”
The first EMT Basic Course, known as Class #001, spans 224 hours and includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and clinical rotations. Students learn vital skills such as CPR, airway management, patient assessment, and wound care.
Brian Gabriel, Director of the Ocean County Fire and EMS Training Center, praised the effort that went into creating the program: “The staff worked tirelessly for almost a year to navigate the processes to get the program up and running. The inaugural class continues to show dedication and progress as they build the foundation for their future in emergency medical services.”
Developed through a shared services coordination grant and in partnership with EMS Consultant Services, the Academy is expected to run two classes each year to meet growing local and regional workforce needs.
County of Ocean, Board of Commissioners
John P. Kelly, Director • Frank Sadeghi, Deputy Director
Robert S. Arace • Jennifer Bacchione • Virginia E. Haines