Six firefighters complete TCESD12’s inaugural Advanced EMT class, strengthening the level of care we provide to our community

Manor, Texas – On Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, Travis County Emergency Services District 12 (TCESD12) proudly celebrated a historic milestone with the graduation of the inaugural Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) class, marking a significant investment in both our firefighters and the future of emergency medical care throughout the district we serve.

The apparatus bay at Fire Station 1204, typically filled with the rhythm of emergency response, was transformed into a space of pride, reflection, and celebration as each graduate was honored for their accomplishment, surrounded by their family, friends, and firehouse brothers and sisters.

Six TCESD12 firefighters successfully completed this rigorous program, expanding their medical knowledge and clinical capabilities to provide an even higher level of care to our community before patients ever reach the hospital.

  • Julian Miller (A Shift)
  • Jayvon Newcoste (A Shift)
  • Ashley Carter (B Shift)
  • Kylie Uhlaender (B Shift)
  • Tyler Williams (C Shift)
  • Gilbert Vela (C Shift)


What an AEMT means for our community

Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians bridge the gap between EMTs and Paramedics by completing additional training that allows them to deliver more advanced prehospital care.

Through months of classroom instruction, hands-on skills labs, and scenario-based training, our firefighters strengthened their ability to perform advanced patient assessments, establish intravenous (IV) and intraosseous (IO) access, administer additional lifesaving medications, manage advanced airways, and provide enhanced care for both medical and trauma emergencies.

These skills matter most in the moments before a patient reaches the hospital. When seconds count, our firefighters are now able to begin advanced interventions sooner, directly at the patient’s side.


Better Care Starts Earlier

When someone calls 911, every second matters.

Firefighters are frequently the first emergency responders to arrive on scene. Whether responding to a cardiac emergency, serious motor vehicle collision, respiratory distress, or another life-threatening incident, having AEMT-trained personnel on fire engines allows advanced medical care to begin immediately.

By increasing the number of AEMTs within the department, TCESD12 is strengthening our ability to deliver timely patient care while working alongside area EMS providers. This additional level of training enhances the care patients receive during the earliest and most critical moments of an emergency.

As our community continues to experience rapid growth, investing in advanced medical education helps ensure our responders are prepared to meet the increasing needs of the community.


A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The inaugural AEMT class represents more than a new certification. It reflects TCESD12's commitment to professional development, clinical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Firefighters dedicated countless hours outside of emergency responses to studying, practicing advanced medical skills, and completing the demanding requirements necessary to earn their certification. Their commitment demonstrates a shared dedication to providing the highest quality service possible.

"This graduation is an investment in our people, but more importantly, it's an investment in our community," said Fire Chief Chris McKenzie. "As our district grows, we remain committed to ensuring our firefighters have the training and resources necessary to provide exceptional emergency medical care when our residents need it most."


Looking Ahead

The graduation of TCESD12's first Advanced Emergency Medical Technician class marks the beginning of a new chapter for the department's emergency medical services program.

By continuing to invest in advanced education and training, TCESD12 is building a stronger, more capable workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving needs of the community while providing compassionate, high-quality care every day.

Congratulations to the graduates of AEMT Class #1. Your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to serving others will have a lasting impact on the community for years to come.


A group of emergency services personnel posing inside a fire station with a fire truck in the background.
AEMT graduates were donned with a personalized stethoscope by Medical Officers Randy Treffer and Freddie Garcia honoring their advancement into higher-level emergency medical care and their continued commitment to serving our community.