Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS Celebrates Freedom House EMT Graduation

Published on February 14, 2025

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) held a graduation ceremony today in Council Chambers for the second class of the Freedom House EMT Training Academy.

Sean Barrett, Robert Cook, Pacey Daniels, Aaron Pasquini, Marva Taylor, and Anicet Mundundu obtained their EMT certifications after completing the twelve-week course. All six graduates are now full-time employed EMTs with the Bureau of EMS.

Kicking off the ceremony, Pittsburgh EMS Chief Amera Gilchrist addressed the graduates directly. “I struggled financially and physically, working a full-time job, while completing EMT and paramedic school and because of that struggle, I recognized the barriers—and the need to remove them so future generations can succeed. Each of you has also faced adversity, but through your challenges you have grown. We celebrate you and your accomplishments.”

Chief Gilchrist launched the Freedom House EMT Training Academy last year during February’s Black History Month. The academy is named after Freedom House Ambulance Service, founded in 1967 in the Hill District, which developed life-saving techniques that remain in use to this day. The academy builds upon the history of those paramedics who pioneered providing pre-hospital care in the field.

The academy expanded this year to also include the first ever class of Advanced EMT students. The inaugural class, comprised of eight students, included three graduates from the first graduating class of Freedom House EMT Academy. Marino Barbabella, Collin Faulkenberry, Allyson Foster, Abby Gwynn, Claire Hoelsken, Joshua Lewis, Logan Ondos, and Joshua Parkinson were recognized for their dedication to the bureau and their continued pursuit of excellence.

Lee Schmidt, the Director of Public Safety, explained, “Freedom House was the first paramedic service in the United States; staffed primarily by Black men and women, who were trained in advanced medical procedures that saved countless lives. To our graduates and Advanced EMT students, you are the torchbearers of that legacy.”

Concluding the ceremony, Chief Operating and Administrative Officer Lisa Frank highlighted the authenticity and humanity of the people who work for the Bureau of EMS. “This bureau is really about people. It is at the very center of our values of being together—as people who look after one another. The City honors your work of extending care to those who are most in need and we thank you for your tireless service.”

Congratulations, graduates and students!

Emily Bourne
Public Information Officer
Department of Public Safety
emily.bourne@pittsburghpa.gov