Iowa Central Community College concluded National EMS Week with a Paramedic Pinning Ceremony on Thursday evening in the Triton CafÈ.

The event honored the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the Class of 2025 while paying tribute to lives lost and careers dedicated to service.

This year’s ceremony carried extra emotional weight as the program remembered Paul Arens, the EMS program coordinator who died unexpectedly in September.

“This class has shown what true resilience looks like,” said EMS instructor Julie Mertens, who also marked a major milestone in her own journey.

After 33 years in EMS and firefighting, Mertens bid farewell to her career.

“I’m leaving behind the best career in the world,” she said. “There need to be more people like you–never stop learning, lean on each other, laugh often, and cry when you need to.”

Graduate speaker Aaron Campbell echoed Mertens’ words, sharing the challenges and triumphs of the program. He recounted long nights of studying, the excitement of completing a first successful IV, and the bonds formed through clinical experiences — one of which led to a personal milestone, meeting his fiance during clinicals at the hospital.

Each graduate was recognized with the symbolic pinning that marks their transition from student to professional.

Aaron Campbell, recipient of a Paramedic Certificate, will continue to serve as a firefighter/paramedic with the Fort Dodge Fire Department. He was pinned by his friend and coworker, FF/Paramedic Nick Ruhland.

Rylie Elliot earned an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic and will begin her career with Iowa Falls EMS. She was pinned by her parents, Chad and Lisa Elliot, along with her boyfriend, Ian Klein.

Kaitlyn Household, also receiving an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic, will work for Kossuth County EMS. She was pinned by her friend, Gage Smith.

Luke Kloetzer, graduating with a Paramedic Certificate, will continue serving as a firefighter/paramedic with the Fort Dodge Fire Department. His father, Dave Kloetzer, had the honor of pinning him.

Liby Murray graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic and will work with Eldora EMS. She was pinned by her fiancÈ, Benji Enjabnit.

This evening also marked a new chapter for Iowa Central’s EMS program, as Peter Amstalden, new EMS coordinator, addressed the group.

“I’m excited to see where the students from our EMS programs go from here,” said Amstalden. “My hope is that we can start to reshape people’s thinking and help them see that EMS isn’t just a steppingstone–it can be a career. I truly believe that EMS professionals are the best in health care, and I think Iowa Central is on the frontline of producing EMS providers that reshape the way health care views EMS.”