Howard Community College

Spring 2016 | Pathways 3 Kevin Panizari served his country as a U.S. Marine, and today he serves his community as a firefighter with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS). "My grandfather served in World War II and my dad was a volunteer firefighter when I was growing up. They led by example," Panizari recalls. "Some things are just in your bloodline." Each day, he has the opportunity to build his skills out in the field, but after more than 10 years as a firefighter, Panizari wants to take the next step and advance his career within the department. "I have always thrived working in high pressure environments where you don't necessarily know what the outcome will be. This is why I joined the Marine Corps and then later decided to work as a firefighter in my community. Each job had lots of challenges, but I always wanted to succeed for the people I was working with and the people I was working for." The new fire science and leadership program is paving the way to his success. "Our fire department, like most across the country, has more educational requirements now in order to be promoted," said Panizari. "I like my job and now I can earn a college degree that will help me do even more in my career." Through a collaborative partnership between Howard Community College and HCDFRS, the fire science and leadership program emphasizes fire science technology, firefighting competencies, and leadership development. Students are required to earn 20 general education credits along with 40 credits through fire and rescue services courses. Graduates earn an associate of applied science, which qualifies them for promotions to the rank of lieutenant or captain. "It's important for people to have confidence that when they call for help, the person who comes will be qualified, confident, and professional," said Panizari. "This program helps assure that." HCDFRS is one of many organizations in Maryland and across the U.S. that hires for middle-skills jobs — that is, positions that require education beyond a high school diploma, but not necessarily a four-year degree. Research conducted by the National Skills Coalition suggests that between 2010 and 2020, 43 percent of Maryland's job openings will require middle skills. Programs such as this one aim to fill the gap, arming people who have field experience with degrees applicable to their industry and long-term professional goals. "Public safety is changing rapidly and there's an increasing expectation of professional development and formal education," said Howard County Fire Chief John Butler. "In the past, a firefighter could climb the career ladder most often through experience and training. A degree wasn't typically a requirement. This is a cutting-edge degree program that will produce graduates who will effectively progress the profession to better serve our community." Of equal importance to many is the impact of a degree on their earning potential. According to a report published by Economic Modeling Specialists, Intl., people with associate degrees in Howard County earn an average of $511,300 more in their lifetime than someone with a high school diploma or GED. "Howard Community College is committed to educating the workforce of Howard County," said Dr. Kathleen Hetherington, president of HCC. "Our new partnership ensures firefighters and paramedics have the best and most affordable education to successfully lead the department into the future." HCC's fire science and leadership program began in January 2016. "Our new partnership ensures firefighters and paramedics have the best and most affordable education to successfully lead the department into the future." Paving the Way to Success for Local Firefighters and Paramedics p Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman (left), President Kate Hetherington, and Fire Chief John Butler of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services celebrate the recent announcement of the fire science and leadership program.

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