UC celebrates first responders for completing EMS Leadership Certificate
For one EMT, it marks another milestone in a 40-year career of service
CHARLESTON, WV, July 12, 2025 — Chris Burge has seen a lot in his 40 years with Camden Clark Ambulance Service in Parkersburg, responding to emergencies, leading teams, and doing whatever it takes to care for his community. He never sought recognition, as his focus was always on service.
But on Saturday, the spotlight found him.
He was one of 160 EMS professionals from across West Virginia honored at the University of Charleston who completed a 20-week leadership development program designed specifically for EMTs, paramedics, and emergency responders.
“I’ve been in management for many years, but I wanted to grow—not just for myself, but to better lead my team,” Burge said.
His team, which he jokingly calls “the retirement station,” is made up of seasoned professionals.
“We are a little set in our ways, and learning to overcome that can be a challenge,” he said with a laugh. “This program gave me some new tips and tricks to help me become a better leader.”
First launched in July 2022, the EMS Leadership Certificate Program equips participants with the tools to lead under pressure and build stronger teams.
This program is part of a broader state-led effort to build a stronger, more resilient workforce across West Virginia. The program is provided at no cost to participants or their EMS agencies, helping communities retain first responders.
“We congratulate each of these professionals, who have completed their program while still working to provide essential medical care to our communities,” UC President Marty Roth said. “We are proud to continue our tradition of providing cutting-edge, high-impact training and development to first responders, and to help them enhance their careers and our state.”
Backed and funded by the West Virginia Legislature, Governor’s Office, and Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC), the program’s curriculum includes five courses covering emergency planning, ethics and diversity, public trust, communications, and hands-on practicum in emergency services culture.
“I’ve traveled all over our great state and met so many of our first responders—men and women who are out there every single day protecting West Virginians,” Governor Patrick Morrisey, who delivered the keynote address, said. “You are the ones answering the call, often at great personal risk, and we can never thank you enough for that. By earning this certificate, you’re reaching for even greater heights. You’ve invested in yourselves, and in doing so, you’re investing in the future of West Virginia. It does not get more noble than that. Please know that we, as a state, have your back.”
“I am old school,” Burge stated, “and this program was delivered online, which was new to me. But the faculty worked around our demanding schedules, to make sure we had the information we needed, and respected that we could be reading material one minute, then get called out before we could finish the assignment at that time. It made it much easier to complete the program.”
In addition to the certificate, graduates also earned 15 undergraduate credits that can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership or an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice Leadership at UC.
This is the second cohort to complete the program, which continues to grow as West Virginia works to retain and uplift its frontline emergency personnel.
When asked what comes next, Chris kept it simple: “I just want to be a better leader—to help my team be the best they can be. We work in a demanding, always-on-call environment, and I want to support them every step of the way.”