The Killeen City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an interlocal agreement that will expand hands‑on training opportunities for emergency medical services students while strengthening the city’s future emergency response workforce. The 6–0 vote authorizes a partnership between the Killeen Fire Department, Central Texas College, and Temple College to support real‑world clinical training for students pursuing EMT and paramedic certifications.

Under the agreement, students enrolled in EMT‑Basic, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic programs at both colleges will be able to complete required clinical ride‑outs with Killeen Fire Department crews. The arrangement gives students the chance to work alongside certified paramedics and emergency responders, gaining practical experience in the field before entering the workforce.

The agreement outlines responsibilities for both the city and the colleges, including supervision requirements, facility access, and liability protections. It also ensures compliance with FERPA and HIPAA standards, with the colleges responsible for verifying student eligibility and maintaining proper reporting procedures.

The partnership comes at no cost to the City of Killeen and will automatically renew each year for up to five years. City officials say the collaboration will not only support student training but also benefit the department by improving skill retention among current employees, strengthening recruitment of certified EMS personnel, and boosting overall operational efficiency.

The initiative is expected to enhance interagency cooperation and deepen healthcare partnerships across the region, ultimately improving emergency medical service delivery for Killeen residents.

City leaders say the agreement reflects Killeen’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, public safety, and high‑quality emergency medical care.