News Topic: public safety

Indian River State College to Host Free AI Symposium for Public Safety Professionals and Community Members
“Smart Response: An AI Symposium for Safety Professionals” Explores Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Emergency Services and Public Safety
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 9, 2026) — Indian River State College invites public safety professionals and community members to “Smart Response: An AI Symposium for Safety Professionals” on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, V-110, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
This free, full-day symposium brings together national experts to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming emergency management, law enforcement, fire services, and public safety operations. From AI-driven analytics to managing disruption in emergency services, attendees will gain practical insights into the technologies shaping the future of public safety.
Featured Speakers Include:
Craig Fugate, former FEMA Administrator and Senior Advisor to Indian River State College — AI as a Force Multiplier in the Office; Questions & Next Steps
Batt. Chief Chad Crouse, St. Lucie County Fire District — The Human in the Loop: Keeping Public Safety Human in an AI-Driven World
Bruce W. Fraser, Executive Director of AI Initiatives, Indian River State College — State of the Art: An Overview of AI Developments and Trends
Dave Molinaro, SHI — Prioritizing Data for AI-Driven Analytics through Vision AI
The event opens with welcoming remarks from Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D., President of Indian River State College at 9:00 a.m.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
- Time: 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, V-110, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
- Cost: Free (breakfast and lunch provided)
- Registration: https://linktr.ee/ai_Symposium2026
- Target Audience: Law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency managers, EMS professionals, public safety administrators, community members
Symposium Topics:
- Artificial intelligence in emergency management
- AI-driven analytics for public safety
- Managing AI disruption in emergency services
- Human-centered AI in first responder operations
- Vision AI and data prioritization
- Leadership strategies for AI integration
This symposium is designed for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency managers, EMS professionals, public safety administrators, and any community members interested in understanding how AI is reshaping emergency response and public safety.
Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
Contact: Colleen Korpon, Indian River State College Public Service Academy – ckorpon@irsc.edu
February 9, 2026
Indian River State College Public Service Academy Celebrates Emergency Medical Technician Graduation
FORT PIERCE, FL (December 11, 2025) – The Public Service Academy at Indian River State College (The River) announces the graduation of 75 Emergency Medical Technicians from its EMT certificate program. The graduation ceremony was held at the Public Safety Training Complex at The River’s main campus in Fort Pierce, Florida.
EMT students gather for a group photo in their uniforms prior to their graduation ceremony, representing dedication and teamwork
Program Information:
- Institution: Indian River State College
- Program: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Technical Certificate
- Location: Public Safety Training Complex, Fort Pierce, Florida
- Graduation Date: December 10, 2025
- Number of Graduates: 75
- Program Credits: 12 credits
- Program Type: Selective Admission Technical Certificate
The graduates completed a 12-credit certificate program that included classroom instruction, hands-on skills laboratories, clinical rotations, and field internship experiences. The program meets the National EMS Education Standards and State of Florida statutes, preparing entry-level emergency medical technicians in cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills, and affective behavioral learning domains.
Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College, stated: “These graduates represent the very best of what Indian River State College stands for – commitment to excellence, service to community, and dedication to making a difference in people’s lives. As they begin their careers in emergency medical services, they carry with them the skills, knowledge, and values that will enable them to provide critical care when our community needs it most.”
Dean Lou Caprino stated: “We are incredibly proud of these 75 graduates who have worked tirelessly to master the demanding skills required of emergency medical technicians. Their success in this program demonstrates not only their technical competence but also their compassion and commitment to serving others in times of crisis. They are ready to make an immediate and positive impact in emergency medical services.”
Graduates are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) EMT certification exam. Upon passing the NREMT exam, graduates receive the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician credential and become eligible to apply for licensure with the State of Florida.
Course Requirements:
- EMS 1119 Emergency Medical Technician: 9 credits
- EMS 1119L Emergency Medical Technician Lab: 2 credits
- EMS 1431 EMT Clinical/Field Experience: 1 credit
- Total Program Credits: 12 credits
Graduates – Emergency Medical Technician Class of 2025: Mario Almanza, Hayden Atherton, Jyce Auzenne, Jonathan Baker, Walker Baker, Alexis Bannon, Christian Beard, Eliana Blazek, Jessica Bryant, Kaitlyn Cameron, David Campbell, Louis Caswell, Parker Chambers, Jacob Childers, Jeremie Daniel, Tyler Davidson, Ethan Desmarais, Jerry DiPhillippo, Matthew Faber, Ryan Fenelon, Breanna Fisher, Ellieanna Flint, Allison Foley, Giselle Gamez, Amelia Garcia, Grace Gil, Jason Goff, James Goughler, Mya Griffith, Aidan Harrison, Tyler Hazlett, Hugo Hernandez, Matthew Hernandez, Matthew Hirl, Zachary Holbrook, Ryan Holderfield, Dylan Huddleston, Toure Kahl, Nicholas Krestalude, William Lane, Lashley Laurent, Genora Littlejohn, Joseph Lucchini, Brandon Marrero, Traive Martinez, Cameron Meyer, Joseph Milles, Jenna Missett, Raymond Missett, Taggert Mowery, Alexander Murcia, Michael Nix, Ciaran O’Connor, Ava Partlow, Harsh Patel, Logan Penney, Cristian Perez-Velasquez, Priyansh Pilly, Joseph Pociask, Anthony Riesgo, Troy Roscoe, Kyle Ruderman, Braden Safdir, Peter Salamone, Elyse Sierra, Kolton Sivalls, Darshan Stone Jr, Wyatt Thornton, Brenna Tietz, Jason Tropepe, Angel Vazquez, Nicolas Viteri, Michael Walsh, Ryan Wolfe
Career Opportunities for Graduates:
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Public Safety Telecommunicator
About Indian River State College Public Service Academy: The Public Service Academy at Indian River State College operates at the Public Safety Training Complex in Fort Pierce, Florida. The Academy offers comprehensive training programs for individuals pursuing careers in emergency services and public safety. The Academy provides state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instruction to prepare students for careers serving their communities.
Accreditation and Standards:
- Program meets National EMS Education Standards
- Program meets State of Florida statutes and administrative code requirements
- Graduates eligible for NREMT certification
- Graduates eligible for Florida EMT state licensure
For Additional Program Information:
- Contact: Dean Lou Caprino, lcaprino@irsc.edu
December 11, 2025

FIND YOUR FLOW
AT THE RIVER

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS