Columbia State Community College and the Franklin Fire Department officially celebrated a new partnership on Aug. 4 with a signing ceremony at the college's Williamson Campus, formalizing an agreement that expands emergency medical technician training and strengthens the region's public safety workforce.

Through the partnership, Columbia State's Workforce and Continuing Education Division will serve as the approved educational sponsor for an EMT Level I training program in collaboration with the Franklin Fire Department. The program will train current and future firefighters employed by the FFD. 

The agreement builds upon a longstanding relationship between Columbia State and the city of Franklin while creating new opportunities for workforce development and career preparation. 

“A couple of years ago, President Smith and her cabinet created a new division at Columbia State, and it had a simple but really important purpose, and that was to build partnerships that strengthen our college and the communities around it that we serve,” said Dr. Kevin Ratliff, Columbia State vice president for partnerships, Workforce and southern campuses. “What we're doing here is really a great example of that vision in action. After an initial meeting with the Franklin Fire Department, we quickly found common ground and shared commitment to achieving the same goal. And that kind of collaboration is really only possible when there's really a strong trust and a mutual respect and appreciation between those organizations. I'm really proud of that. This agreement that we're pulling together really reflects both of those things, and we look forward to working with the FFD in the years to come.”

Franklin Fire Chief Glenn Johnson, Jr. reflected on his personal history with Columbia State, while also pointing to how this program will impact the community both now and in the future.

“This day has been a long time coming,” Johnson said. “I got my EMT certification at Columbia State in 1995, so I've been around for a while, and you know we've taken opportunities to work together, and we're just slowly laying the foundation. By strengthening the relationship between Franklin Fire Department, Columbia State and Williamson County Schools, we are building a better future for our younger generations today by some of the partnerships that we're creating and creating opportunities for them to have a career, to live, stay and work in the community they grew up in.”

Franklin City Administrator Eric Stuckey said the agreement demonstrates the value of collaboration among educational institutions and local government. 

“Public service is a calling, and connecting students to opportunities to serve and help build a great community like Franklin is really special,” Stuckey said. “We really value the partnerships that have developed over the years with Williamson County Schools, with Columbia State and you see that continuum. And we want to continue to build those skills.”

Franklin Mayor Ken Moore praised Columbia State's responsiveness to workforce needs throughout the region.

“Columbia State is making a difference in our community and building great students and great leaders,” Moore said. “And I just want to say how responsive Columbia State is to the needs of our community. If we identify a need in our community for additional training or whatever it may be, Columbia State is quick to respond, and I always appreciate that.”

Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president, said the agreement shows the power of organizations working together to create opportunities that benefit future generations.

“The City of Franklin has been a valued partner of Columbia State for many years and was instrumental in the development of this beautiful campus,” Smith said. “Our partnership has grown and strengthened as we have worked together to expand educational opportunities and meet the workforce needs of Franklin and Williamson County. Today, we celebrate another important milestone in that relationship through our partnership with the Franklin Fire Department. This EMT program reflects our shared commitment to serving our community, preparing highly skilled first responders and creating pathways for individuals who are called to make a difference in the lives of others. Together, we are investing in the future of emergency medical services and helping ensure that our citizens receive the highest level of care when they need it most.”

The agreement supports Columbia State's commitment to workforce development by expanding educational pathways that help meet the growing demand for qualified emergency medical professionals throughout Williamson County and southern Middle Tennessee.