Cuesta holds paramedic program graduation
A photo of the graduating class. On the left is Paramedic Program Director Heather Tucker. Courtesy photo.
– Fourteen students of Cuesta College’s Paramedic Program graduated on Friday. The graduation ceremony featured keynote speaker San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson, student speaker Atascadero Fire Department Captain Casey Bryson and was attended by various representatives of the EMS community.
The event also included the presentation of the annual Dave Melendy EMS Recognition Award. According to organizers, the award honors an individual who is performing a public service that is above and beyond the call of duty, values volunteerism and is doing it for the love of humanity. Melendy was a prominent local paramedic and instrumental in the creation of Cuesta’s Paramedic Program. This year, the award will be presented by Jason Melendy, paramedic for Cambria Community Health District and the nephew of the late Melendy.
