HTC Student is Training to Become an EMT

17-year-old Jacob Fletcher stands in uniform in front of a Town of Hunter Ambulance. Photo submitted by Greg Fletcher.

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — A 17-year-old student is on the path to becoming an EMT for the Town of Hunter. Jacob Fletcher, a Hunter-Tannersville Central (HTC) senior, has long been drawn to public service, with his ultimate goal being a career in law enforcement. "He's known he wanted to be a NYS Trooper since the age of three," said his father, Greg Fletcher.

Jacob's journey began last spring during a career day at HTC, where he met Ariel Woolheater, the Town of Hunter Ambulance Administrator. Woolheater recalled, "He signed up right there, and I gave him all the information he needed." That moment set Jacob on a course of rigorous training and hands-on experience.

Already a law enforcement cadet with the Albany County Sheriff's Office since age 14, Jacob has gained invaluable insight into law enforcement and emergency medical services (EMS). His father said he has wanted to be in law enforcement since age three. "The Albany County Sheriff's Office runs the County ambulance, so I've also gotten an in-depth look at what EMS looks like," Jacob said. "When I spoke to the people at Hunter Ambulance on my school's career day, it seemed like a great way to serve my community," he said.

Since October, Jacob has been working 12-hour weekend shifts alongside the Hunter Ambulance crew and occasionally with the Coxsackie Ambulance crew. "One of the Coxsackie EMTs who also works in Hunter was able to set me up here," Jacob explained.

Jacob's family resides in Cairo, but his father, Greg, teaches second grade at Hunter Elementary School, so Jacob attends HTC instead of Cairo-Durham. In August, the Town of Hunter officially sponsored Jacob on the condition that he serve roughly one year with the Town's EMS crew after passing two state EMS tests. The sponsorship covers the cost of the EMS course and materials. Jacob expressed his gratitude: "[The Town of Hunter EMS service] has been so great to me. I definitely plan on sticking around with them."

Greg Fletcher highlighted the significance of his son's efforts: "This is a great opportunity for him because he will be in the same area while attending the University at Albany in the fall. He can still work in the Town while going to college." Jacob plans to major in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Working with the Town's EMS has been a formative experience for Jacob. "My first call ever was a motorcycle accident, so I really dove in headfirst. The scenes can be chaotic and stressful, but I enjoy having an impact on helping people who need it," he said, adding that he is still getting used to accident scenes.

Part of the EMT certification process requires a minimum of 10 patient contacts before taking the state tests. "That's why he's been putting in so many hours," Greg said, noting that Jacob has already completed 13 patient interactions. The training involves a months-long course held every Monday and Wednesday since September, with each session lasting four hours. After completing the course, Jacob will face two state exams: a practical test involving six patient assessments and a written exam in Albany.

Woolheater praised Jacob's dedication: "He is an amazing kid. He has a drive I've never seen in anyone his age. Jacob's like a seasoned EMT out there. He's motivated and has a great work ethic. I can't wait for him to officially join the Hunter Ambulance family."

Greg shared how Jacob's commitment to public service has been unwavering. "In his three years as a law enforcement cadet with the Albany County Sheriff's Office, he's now the acting lieutenant of the post. Through the Sheriff's Office, he's participated in numerous community events and always gives his time willingly. It's a great way for him to prepare for a career while doing something he loves."

Jacob's efforts extend beyond the classroom and ambulance shifts. According to Greg, Jacob studies two to three hours every night to prepare for the state tests. "The pressure is definitely there, and he wants to nail [the tests] on his first try. Everybody in Hunter has been incredibly kind and super supportive of him."

Even Jacob's classmates have shown their support. "They know I want to get into public service, so they were supportive," Jacob said. Greg added, "His friends show up at the EMS station during his long shifts, bringing him food and checking in on him. As a dad, it's great to see that."

Before riding along with the EMT crew, Jacob became CPR-certified. One of his recent patient interactions involved assisting a guest at Hunter Mountain with a head injury. Despite his young age, Jacob has earned the respect of his patients. "Folks are shocked when they find out he's just 17," Greg said. "He's even had a couple of patients commend him for his efforts."

Jacob's mother, Michele Fletcher, a medical lab technician at Bach Integrative Medicine in Red Hook, has significantly influenced his medical ambitions. Greg emphasized his family's collective pride: "Jacob has shown incredible dedication. He's not just preparing for a career; he's meaningfully giving back to his community."