NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Niceville Fire Department has received a $10,000 donation from the Mayor Randall Wise First Responders Foundation to support the department’s inaugural paramedic program, according to the City of Niceville.
The funding will reportedly provide training resources, equipment, and program development as the department expands its Advanced Life Support capabilities.
According to the city, the donation is being used to purchase training aids, manikins, EMS bags, ECG simulators, and other supplies for the current paramedic class and future training efforts.
The Niceville Fire Department currently has four certified paramedics, while 10 additional firefighters are set to begin paramedic school with support from the donation.
According to the City of Niceville, classes will be held at the fire station on a rotating shift schedule. Students will also complete clinical training at local hospitals, emergency rooms, medical facilities, and with ambulance providers.
Participants are said to complete more than 1,200 hours of advanced training over the next 11 months.
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The city said the transition from Basic Life Support to Advanced Life Support represents a major enhancement in patient care capabilities.
While Basic Life Support focuses on stabilization, CPR, oxygen administration, and basic emergency treatment, Advanced Life Support reportedly enables paramedics to perform cardiac monitoring, IV access, advanced airway management, medication administration, and ECG analysis before patients arrive at a hospital.
The program is expected to work in coordination with Okaloosa County EMS to ensure paramedics are certified in local protocols and operational standards as preparations continue for the launch of ALS services in the coming months.
According to the City of Niceville, additional ALS-equipped units are expected to be added next year after the paramedic course is completed.
“The Mayor Randall Wise First Responders Foundation is honored to support the City of Niceville with a significant donation to help fund 12 new paramedics.”
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The Foundation said the contribution honors the legacy of the late Mayor Randall Wise, who served the community as mayor and volunteer firefighter.
“Supporting first responders was something Mayor Wise cared deeply about, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue that work in a meaningful way.”
The Foundation said it hopes the contribution helps strengthen emergency care and protection for the Niceville community.
“It is simply one small way we can honor his legacy and give back to the city that meant so much to him,” the Foundation said.
Pictured during the check presentation were Mayor Daniel Henkel, Councilman Douglas Tolbert, Niceville Fire Chief Alex Kukulus, Tara Burch of the Mayor Randall Wise First Responders Foundation, and Councilman Bill Schaetzle.
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