Columbia State Community College partners with Franklin Fire Department

Columbia State Community College and the Franklin Fire Department have partnered for a collaborative effort to train current and future firefighters through a shared EMT Level I training program. The agreement, which was signed on August 4, 2026, will see Columbia State Community College’s Workforce and Continuing Education Division become the approved educational sponsor for the EMT Level I training program.

According to an article on Columbia State Community College’s website, Dr. Janet F. Smith, the college’s president, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “The City of Franklin has been a valued partner of Columbia State for many years and was instrumental in the development of this beautiful campus. Our partnership has grown and strengthened as we have worked together to expand educational opportunities and meet the workforce needs of Franklin and Williamson County. Today, we celebrate another important milestone in that relationship through our partnership with the Franklin Fire Department. This EMT program reflects our shared commitment to serving our community, preparing highly skilled first responders and creating pathways for individuals who are called to make a difference in the lives of others. Together, we are investing in the future of emergency medical services and helping ensure that our citizens receive the highest level of care when they need it most.”

Dr. Kevin Ratliff, the vice president for partnerships, Workforce and southern campuses at Columbia State, added, “A couple of years ago, President Smith and her cabinet created a new division at Columbia State, and it had a simple but really important purpose, and that was to build partnerships that strengthen our college and the communities around it that we serve. What we're doing here is really a great example of that vision in action. After an initial meeting with the Franklin Fire Department, we quickly found common ground and shared commitment to achieving the same goal. And that kind of collaboration is really only possible when there's really a strong trust and a mutual respect and appreciation between those organizations. I'm really proud of that. This agreement that we're pulling together really reflects both of those things, and we look forward to working with the FFD in the years to come.”

The agreement will support the college’s efforts to expand workforce training efforts in the Middle Tennessee area and create accessible pathways for individuals to become qualified emergency medical professionals.

Franklin Fire Chief Glenn Johnson, Jr. has a personal connection with Columbia State Community College. He said, “This day has been a long time coming. I got my EMT certification at Columbia State in 1995, so I've been around for a while, and you know we've taken opportunities to work together, and we're just slowly laying the foundation. By strengthening the relationship between Franklin Fire Department, Columbia State and Williamson County Schools, we are building a better future for our younger generations today by some of the partnerships that we're creating and creating opportunities for them to have a career, to live, stay and work in the community they grew up in.”

Franklin Mayor Ken Moore noted of the role the college plays in the community, “Columbia State is making a difference in our community and building great students and great leaders. And I just want to say how responsive Columbia State is to the needs of our community. If we identify a need in our community for additional training or whatever it may be, Columbia State is quick to respond, and I always appreciate that.”

For more information about Columbia State Community College, visit the school’s website.