LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A federal grant of more than $920,000 will allow the Lexington Fire Department to expand its emergency medical training for 27 firefighters, a move that officials say will strengthen the city’s ability to respond to medical emergencies. The funding, provided by the “Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” will cover training and overtime costs, according to…
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A federal grant of more than $920,000 will allow the Lexington Fire Department to expand its emergency medical training for 27 firefighters, a move that officials say will strengthen the city’s ability to respond to medical emergencies. The funding, provided by the “Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” will cover training and overtime costs, according to a release from the fire department.
Mayor Linda Gorton said in the release that this marks the second time Lexington has been awarded the grant, calling it a major boost for public safety. “It is another huge step forward for us, improving the service we offer Lexington residents,” Gorton said.
Fire Chief Jason Wells noted in the release that the department has seen a significant increase in emergency calls, with more than 68,000 incidents last year—most of them medical in nature. “It’s crucial that our paramedics are among the best trained and equipped to handle the growing demands,” Wells said. He added that the grant will help ensure the department can provide high-level care through advanced paramedic training.
Currently, according to the fire department, all Lexington firefighters are trained as EMTs, but more than half are also certified paramedics. The training funded by the grant will further enhance their ability to provide lifesaving care in emergencies, according to the release. Mayor Gorton, who is also a registered nurse, said, “With this training, more of our firefighters will be able to deliver quality medical care to residents,” according to the release.
Lieutenant Chris Crowe, EMS Educator at the Lexington Fire Training Academy, said in the release that the grant allows the department to bring in advanced training methods and technology, ensuring firefighters are prepared for the evolving needs of the community.
The nine-month training program began Monday, with graduation scheduled for May 2025.