County Executive Bello announces new opportunity as applications open for no-cost EMS training program aimed at strengthening the emergency medical services workforce in Monroe County

Monroe County, New York – In a major push to grow and diversify the region’s emergency medical services workforce, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello has announced that applications are officially open for a new no-cost EMS training program. The program, backed by $4.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, aims to train the next wave of EMTs and paramedics, addressing a workforce shortage that has strained emergency services across the county.

The announcement was made as part of a celebratory event ahead of EMS Week, bringing together a coalition of leaders and partners from across government, education, and emergency services. Bello was joined by Congressman Joe Morelle, Monroe County legislators, Monroe Community College officials, and EMS leaders who all echoed the same message: this investment is about saving lives and providing opportunity.

“This investment doesn’t just fill jobs – it saves lives,” said County Executive Bello. “By eliminating financial burdens and providing comprehensive support services, we are creating new pathways for residents—especially those from underserved communities—to enter a critically important field and strengthen our county’s public safety.”

A Career Path with Zero Financial Barriers

The program, developed through a partnership led by Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance, Monroe Community College (MCC), American Medical Response (AMR), and Monroe Ambulance, removes the typical obstacles that prevent many from pursuing careers in emergency medicine. The $4.2 million in ARPA funding covers tuition, certification fees, textbooks, equipment, and other associated costs. But it goes even further by offering wraparound support services that include paid training time, childcare, transportation assistance, and academic support.

This means that for someone juggling family responsibilities, a tight budget, or unreliable transportation, the opportunity to train as an EMT or paramedic is no longer out of reach.

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“When I steered the American Rescue Plan through Congress, I fought to ensure Upstate communities could tap into these dollars for their most pressing local needs,” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer. “And nothing is more vital than certainty when you dial 911, an ambulance arrives with highly-trained professionals. This $4.2 million defrays tuition costs, transforms aspirations into lifesaving careers, and builds a steady pipeline of EMTs and paramedics to protect every neighborhood in Monroe County – day or night, rain or shine.”

A Response to a Growing Crisis

The EMS field, both locally and nationally, has faced a sharp decline in workforce numbers in recent years. Staffing shortages have placed extra pressure on remaining personnel and limited response capacity in certain areas. The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the problem, leading to burnout, early retirements, and fewer new entrants into the field.

The county’s new initiative is designed to reverse that trend by actively recruiting applicants from across the region, particularly from underrepresented and underserved communities. The hope is to both replenish the current workforce and diversify it, ensuring emergency services are as inclusive and effective as possible.

“After two years of planning, it’s encouraging to see this program come to fruition,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “Launching this free training program is a meaningful step towards addressing the EMS staffing shortage and expanding opportunities for residents to enter a vital profession. I urge those interested to take advantage of this resource and help strengthen emergency care across Monroe County.”

Political Unity Around Public Safety

Support for the initiative has come from both sides of the political aisle. Republican Leader Steve Brew emphasized the practical benefits of the investment, noting that it helps relieve the burden on the existing EMS system while also delivering meaningful job training.

“It’s truly rewarding to see this EMS training program officially launch after we took action in 2023 to approve $4.2 million in ARPA funding to make it a reality,” Brew said. “For too long, our emergency response system has been stretched thin—this initiative delivers real relief by expanding our workforce, removing barriers to entry, and providing qualified first responders where they’re needed most. It’s a smart, community-focused investment that demonstrates our commitment to public safety and common-sense results.”

MCC at the Center of the Training Effort

Training will be conducted by Monroe Community College, long recognized for its robust public safety training programs. MCC will begin offering EMT and Paramedic classes for this program in Fall 2025. Applications for the next cohort of EMT students are currently open, with a submission deadline of June 1.

“We are extremely grateful to all of our partners in securing this funding to provide training for a critical need,” said Monroe Community College President Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna. “When you or someone you care about is having a medical crisis, you want the best of the best to be there and respond to your needs. MCC takes pride in providing extraordinary training to ensure everyone in our community receives the best care possible.”

From Training to Employment

Graduates of the program will be certified and ready to work with EMS agencies throughout Monroe County. This direct-to-work pipeline not only benefits new professionals looking to launch careers in public safety, but also helps the community at large by ensuring faster, better-staffed emergency responses.

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“Our initiative helps our local communities to address a growing EMS workforce deficit,” said Jonathan Smith, Chief of Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance. “We are using this investment to leverage local partnerships and remove barriers to EMS service, creating a cost-effective path for Monroe County residents to begin a career as an EMT, or advance their EMS career to become a Paramedic. We’re grateful for the support of our County, State and Federal leaders, and our local EMS partners, in making this impactful program a reality.”

A Call to Action

Congressman Joe Morelle, who helped secure the federal funding behind the initiative, called the program a prime example of how targeted investment can create lasting, meaningful change in communities.

“This $4.2 million in federal investment I helped secure will go a long way to strengthen public safety, expand career opportunities, and ensure our community is prepared for moments of crisis,” said Morelle. “I’m grateful to County Executive Adam Bello for his leadership and proud to stand with him in building a safer, stronger Rochester.”

The deadline to apply for the Fall 2025 EMT training program is June 1. Interested applicants can learn more and begin the application process by visiting the official program website at: https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/pstc/ems/emergency-medical-technician/.

As EMS Week approaches, Monroe County is not just celebrating its emergency responders — it’s building the foundation for the next generation of lifesavers. And thanks to this fully funded program, that future may now be closer than ever for many Monroe County residents.