Second EMS Citizens Academy Turns Residents into Lifesavers and Community Advocates

In January, more than 20 residents committed to learn about Virginia Beach’s EMS system through its second annual Citizens Academy. The goal: Teach participants how to save lives and raise awareness about the service and dedication provided by career and volunteer members to the community. 

The six-week academy informed participants about the combined EMS and VB Rescue system operations and its strong partnerships with other first responder departments. Students also learned first-hand the skills and training required to become certified providers.  

The second EMS Citizens Academy culminated with a graduation ceremony on March 5 in City Council Chamber, where 23 graduates received a certification of completion. EMS Deputy Chief Amy Ward and VB Rescue Council President Mike McCracken gave remarks and offered congratulations.  

Advocates in the Community 

Derek Fuller, EMS Citizens Academy program manager, said the graduates are now advocates in the community and can raise awareness about the organization.  

“It’s exciting to design a program that gives back to our community,” Fuller said. “They now have the institutional knowledge of EMS and can share that with their neighbors.”  

Charlye Levine, 19, was inspired to join the Citizens Academy after seeing her boyfriend volunteer as an emergency medical technician (EMT) with Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad. 

“Some of my neighbors are also volunteers, too, and posted about it [Citizens Academy] in our Facebook group,” Levine said. “I thought it was a great opportunity, and it sounded really cool to learn about EMS.” 

She said program highlights included guest speakers and learning about the equipment and technology used on ambulances. Levine said she also learned about the levels of EMT certification –– EMT, advanced EMT and paramedic 

VBEMS offers year-round EMT Academies at its headquarters. The EMT Academy is free with a one-year commitment of volunteering with VB Rescue. 

'A Phone Call Away’ 

Myron Nahra calls himself a true Virginia Beach native and has lived in the city for 59 years. 

As a member of the Virginia Beach Community Emergency Response Team (VBCERT), Nahra has worked alongside EMS, Fire and Police. VBCERT members are trained to assist others in their neighborhoods or workplace following an event, when professional responders are not immediately available to help.  

During the pandemic, Nahra was able to work with EMS providers at the COVID vaccination clinic at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. 

“I thought joining the Citizens Academy would be a good way to strengthen our relationship and find out more of what they [VBEMS] do,” Nahra said. “Virginia Beach EMS is another reason why this is the best city in the world to live. If you ever need help, VBEMS is a phone call away.” 

Learn More

Visit the EMS Citizens Academy page to find out more information about the program. 

Virginia Beach EMS is an award-winning, third-service agency that answers more than 53,000 calls for service annually. With the support of VB Rescue, VBEMS uses a combined career-volunteer workforce and was named a 2024 American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Gold EMS Agency. Learn more about EMS by visiting ems.virginiabeach.gov.