EMS Graduates Honored at Ceremony in Cookeville

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Upper Cumberland EMS Directors Association held a graduation ceremony for the Paramedic class of 2026. This event was held at Central City Church in Cookeville, within the old mall building. The graduating class of 2026 contained paramedics, critical care, and community paramedics from schools across the Upper Cumberland. Schools represented within this graduation were Volunteer State Community College, Motlow, and Crowder. In the near future Roane State will be participating in these classes and program as well. 

With Brian Tompkins as the graduation's emcee, the event started with the posting of the colors from the Upper Cumberland EMS Honor Guard followed by the national anthem and pledge of allegiance. As Mr. Tompkins welcomed the crowd, he emphasized the importance of the sacrifices made by the graduates but also the families during this process.

One of the partners of this event is the Livingston Regional Hospital, who was represented by David Cox. As he spoke to the graduates, he stated they entered into this profession because it is a calling, not for the money. As the crowd chuckled, there was a sense of truth held within these words of sacrifice, honor, and bravery, not the vain glory of recognition or selfishness. 

Next to speak was Brandon Ward, the director of the TN Office of EMS.  He encouraged the families to continue in their support for the graduates as they enter into the next phase of going from student to a career professional. Mr. Ward did leave the graduates with a nugget of wisdom and advice, "Treat your patients the way you would want your family to be treated". This was discussed as a way to not only stay out of the offices of the director and assistant director of the TN Office of EMS, but also as the proper way to build a good reputation and for the treatment of any person needing assistance during an emergency call. 

The keynote speaker was Steve Hamby, who has been in the medical field in various capacities since 1985.  As a member of the EMS board, Mr. Hamby was a great addition to address the graduates and families.  "Being present with your family is just as important as caring for the people you serve", said Hamby. In advice for future team building, Mr. Hamby reminded the graduates that this profession is not about an individual but the team. Building a team and being a vital member of the team helps set a better atmosphere, not only for the patients on the calls, but for each paramedic as various things arise in the daily grind of the profession. 

Another bit of advice given was, "You may not be able to control every situation, but you can control how faithfully you respond." With this information, there was a somber reminder that this profession will challenge each graduate and every personnel, in every way, so faith is also an important anchor to help hold one steady during the various situations that accompany this career.

As Mr. Hamby's remarks began to close, he reminded the graduates to keep their gratitude in serving and to measure their career in how faithfully they served and how many people they helped, not how many calls they answered. Throughout the night, this was an important part of the information given to the graduates in helping them maintain a realistic expectation as they settle into their new job.

Before the ceremony ended, each graduate was called by name along with the family, friend, or colleague who was chosen to pin the graduate with the EMS pin. A challenge coin and certificate were given by Tim Booher, the UCEMSDA President, Brandon Ward, and other personnel.  The emotions of this ceremony could be felt in the room as each graduate was pinned in honor of their success. 

As the new graduates take their place in their new positions in Fentress, Putnam, White, Overton, Jackson, and other counties, this ceremony marked the achievement earned for this occasion.  Congratulations, graduates, on your success, and may you excel in your new positions and remember the wisdom given through those with lots of experience in this field.