The Detroit Fire Department has launched its first department-run paramedic training course in collaboration with Wayne County Community College District, according to the department.
The new program pays firefighter EMTs to complete training while on duty.
It replaces the standard model, where firefighters pursue paramedic certification independently and at personal cost.
The department said this is the first time it has offered paid, in-house instruction and described it as a major shift in how EMS training is delivered locally.
A media day held on June 17 at the Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center introduced the public to students and instructors involved in the 10-month training course.
The Detroit Fire Department reported that the new program eliminates the financial and scheduling burden that typically falls on firefighters pursuing advanced certification.
Participants complete their training during regular work hours and continue to receive their salaries.
Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms said: “This is a game-changer for the Detroit Fire Department.”
He added: “We are creating opportunity from within, strengthening our workforce, and accelerating our ability to provide advanced life support services to Detroiters when they need it most.”
He said: “It’s not just training—it’s transformation.”
According to the department, the program condenses an 18–24-month certification process into a 10-month course.
It includes 500 classroom hours, 600 clinical hours, and a national exam.
Once completed, firefighters are eligible to become licensed paramedics.
The department stated that paramedics trained under the new initiative will be equipped to deliver a wide range of emergency interventions.
Medical Director Dr. Robert Dunne said: “By investing in our members and equipping them with this advanced training, we’re investing directly in patient care.”
He added: “Paramedics can perform many of the same interventions as hospital emergency room teams—and in many cases, they’re the first and only care a patient receives before reaching the hospital.”
He said: “This is about improving outcomes for our citizens.”
The course includes instruction on procedures such as IV insertion and heart rhythm interpretation, skills essential to effective Advanced Life Support.
Participants train at the Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center under supervision from experienced DFD and medical instructors.
The Detroit Fire Department reported that the course is delivered through an agreement with Wayne County Community College District.
The partnership allows the department’s training center to operate as an alternate education site for paramedicine.
The department noted that securing accreditation from the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions was a required step.
Through the agreement, students also receive college credit for their Fire and EMS coursework, which can be applied toward an associate degree in applied science.
The department said the college partnership ensures the training remains aligned with both state licensing and higher education requirements.
According to the department, the long-term objective of the program is to expand the number of Advanced Life Support EMS units operating in Detroit.
By certifying more firefighter paramedics, the department plans to increase the availability of immediate, high-level medical response for residents.
Captain Jamal Mickles, who leads the department’s Training Division, said: “We’ve never done this before, and we’re proud to be leading the way.”
He added: “Our members are motivated, focused, and determined to serve this city at the highest possible level.”
He said: “This program gives them the tools to do exactly that.”
The department said it expects the current class to graduate within the year and is evaluating future cohorts to build long-term EMS capacity.
The Detroit Fire Department has launched its first internal paramedic training program.
The course is delivered in partnership with Wayne County Community College District.
It allows firefighter EMTs to complete paramedic training while on duty.
Firefighters receive their full salary throughout the program.
The course runs for 10 months and includes classroom and clinical instruction.
Graduates are eligible to become licensed paramedics after passing a national exam.
The training is held at the Walter P. Harris Regional Training Center.
The program received accreditation from the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions.
Participants also earn college credits toward an associate degree.
The department’s goal is to increase the number of Advanced Life Support units operating in Detroit.
This initiative is the first of its kind offered by the department.
It is designed to improve emergency medical care in the city.
Future classes are already being planned.
