Barry University has expanded opportunities for students in its Emergency Medical Services/Fire program through a new partnership with the City of West Palm Beach Fire Department. The agreement, recently approved by city officials, will provide Barry students with valuable experience working directly alongside professional first responders in real-world emergency situations.

This collaboration reflects Barry’s ongoing commitment to preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training necessary for careers in emergency services. Last month, the University further demonstrated that commitment with the purchase of a new fire truck, ensuring students have access to professional-grade equipment while completing their coursework and simulations on campus. Now, with the addition of this partnership, students benefit from both state-of-the-art campus resources and immersive field experience in the community.

Barry’s EMS/Fire program is built on the belief that preparing first responders requires more than classroom instruction. Students not only learn essential medical and technical skills but also develop the leadership, quick decision-making, and sense of service required to excel in high-pressure environments. By engaging in real-world experiences such as ride-alongs, and direct collaboration with fire departments, Barry students enter the workforce ready to respond with confidence and compassion.

The agreement with the West Palm Beach Fire Department further strengthens Barry’s mission of educating students who are prepared to serve the greater good. Partnerships like this ensure that graduates of the EMS/Fire program are not only highly trained in the technical aspects of emergency response but also equipped with the values of courage, service, and leadership that define the profession.