Doug Beitzel, coordinator of Garrett College’s Paramedic Studies program, was inducted last Thursday night into the Region I (Garrett and Allegany counties) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Hall of Fame.
“Doug plays a vital role in shaping advanced-level paramedic training and care in Western Maryland,” Wayne Tiemersma, Region I and II coordinator for the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), told the audience at the Wendell R. Beitzel Career Technology Training Center (CTTC).
“He’s not just an instructor – he’s a community builder, educational innovator, and a mentor to aspiring EMS professionals across this region and the State of Maryland,” added Tiemersma.
Julie Yoder, Garrett College’s dean of continuing education and workforce development, lauded Beitzel’s commitment to EMS service and education.
“Doug’s dedication to EMS goes beyond a career — it is a calling,” said Yoder. “He embodies the profession each day through his service with the City of Cumberland Fire Department and his commitment to preparing future paramedics at Garrett College.
“Doug’s induction into the Region I EMS Hall of Fame is a well-deserved tribute to his impactful contributions as a practitioner, educator, and leader in the EMS field,” added Yoder.
“It was an honor to be inducted. Region I is my home, and I have always wanted to stay in this area,” said Beitzel. “Continuing to push advancements in pre-hospital care and EMS education is important to me.”
Beitzel has been Garrett College’s Paramedic Studies program coordinator for 14 years and has taught in the program since 2007. Under Beitzel’s leadership, the program has added a hybrid-delivery model and developed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree option. Students’ Continuing Education & Workforce Training (CEWD) coursework in Paramedic Studies is fully articulated into the credit program.
Beitzel serves on the American Trauma Society (Maryland Division) Board of Directors, the Maryland State EMS Advisory Council, and on the Advisory Council and Education Council of Region I EMS.
Beitzel obtained his Maryland EMT while a member of the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department in 1999. He began his paramedic career in 2001 with the Cumberland Fire Department (CFD), where he currently serves as a captain.
“From my job at the CFD to my part-time work with the paramedic program at the College, taking care of others is one of the most important jobs you can have,” said Beitzel. “I want to continue to support that here in Region 1.”
Beitzel helped start Cumberland’s Tactical Medic Program, responding with Cumberland’s SWAT team on high-risk warrants and other situations. He also served as a flight paramedic with STAT Medevac and Air Methods from 2005 to 2015.
