After reviewing GCC's Emergency Medical Services Education and Training Programs in early September, Russell C. Johansen of the Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services did more than renew GCC's accreditation. Along with the certificate of accreditation, Johansen sent a letter saying "I was very impressed with your new training location, outstanding training resources, and the obvious support the College provides. I can only think of one word to sum up my impression of your program: wow." That "wow" and renewal of accreditation was the result of the smart, hard work of GCC EMS faculty Dawn Josefski, Monty Ruff, Sandra Mizula, John O'Brien, Kate Sullivan, Matthew Sandler, Kevin Garvey and Zachary Smith.

Dawn Josefski has served as Director of GCC's Emergency Medical Services Program for several years and recently took over leadership of GCC's Fire Science Technology Associate in Science degree program. Josefski is now the Director of Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services. Joining the two programs reflects Josefski's experience and the evolution of the emergency services field. Increasingly, emergency medical services and fire departments work together closely. Josefski has a lifetime of experience in emergency services, including work as a volunteer firefighter in Hawley, an EMT, supervisor, and dispatcher for Northampton Ambulance and AMR, and staff at Western Massachusetts Emergency Medical Services, a regional office that oversees EMS in western Massachusetts. She is well acquainted with the personnel and organization of local fire departments and is aware of the needs of current and future Fire Science students.

GCC President Bob Pura recognizes the strength of GCC's emergency services programs. He said, "We have always felt that GCC's EMS Education and Training Program is superb and we're pleased that the external evaluators agree. Dawn Josefski and Monty Ruff are excellent EMS providers and extraordinary teachers who are committed to the professionalization of their field. In addition to her leadership of the EMS Program, Dawn taking on the leadership of GCC's Fire Science Technology Program makes great sense because of her experience as a first responder, her commitment to teaching and learning, and the powerful leadership she has provided to the EMS Program. GCC has a long history as the educational hub for this community's first responders. It is a privilege to provide this crucial education to our community."

GCC Dean of Professional Studies Terence Lynn echoed President Pura's praise of Josefski's work. He said, "Dawn is well-known and respected among fire science and emergency medical services professionals in the area. They know that under Dawn's leadership, GCC is the gold standard for emergency services education."

Dawn Josefski is passionate about her work and her community. She said, "GCC continues to provide the best possible emergency services education to our students. Whether our students are just entering the emergency services field or are long-time professionals, we focus on what they need to know to do their work. And, we pay close attention to what communities need from their emergency services providers. Our students and graduates work in emergency services agencies throughout the region and we're proud of the work they do. "

For information about GCC's Emergency Medical Services Program, visit https://www.gcc.mass.edu/programs/ems. To learn about the Fire Science Technology program, visit gcc.mass.edu/programs/fst<https://www.gcc.mass.edu/programs/fst>. Or contact Dawn Josefski at <mailto:> or (413) 775-1761.

by Mary McClintock, '82