Campus News

Martin credits support network for success

GC hybrid paramedic class salutatorian also EMS Provider of the Year

Malia Martin was recently selected Garrett County's EMS Provider of the Year.

Garrett College student Malia Martin may be standing out, but she's definitely not standing alone.

"A lot of people helped me along the way," said Martin, recently named Garrett County's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Provider of the Year. "I've been leaning on the people around me."

Martin noted the encouragement of her parents, Jonathan and Miranda Martin, as well as younger sister Laila and younger brother Jeremiah. She also credited the support she's received from her colleagues at the Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department.

"I've been supported not only by my actual family, but my Bittinger family," remarked Martin, who joined the Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department as she was starting her senior year at Salisbury-Elk Lick (PA) High School in August 2022.

Martin's selection as EMS Provider of the Year is just her latest honor. She was salutatorian of Garrett College's first hybrid paramedic certificate class in September and is on course to earn an associate's degree in paramedic studies in the spring.

"I'm going to try to do a paramedic-to-RN [registered nurse] program and decided to finish off my associate's degree to make it an easier transition," said Martin, who needs 1-2 years' experience as a paramedic to qualify for most paramedic-to-RN programs.

She's certainly wasting no time getting that paramedic experience, having become one of the first graduates of GC's hybrid certificate program to pass the National Registry Exam and earn her paramedic license.

"Malia is one of those model students that become a natural leader wherever they go," said Josh Hook, who was the hybrid cohort's lead instructor. "She is strong and tenacious, yet humble; it will be exciting to watch her go on to do great things in the paramedical field."

Martin, who completed her EMT class as a high school senior, was promoted to EMS lieutenant earlier this year. She said her work and volunteer schedule, as well as effective recruitment by Garrett College Paramedic Program Coordinator Doug Beitzel led to her decision to attend Garrett College.

"I work at Garrett County Emergency Services and volunteer at Bittinger, so I'm in Maryland most of the time," said Martin. "IUP [Indian University of Pennsylvania] has a one-year paramedic program, but Doug Beitzel actually convinced me to come to Garrett College."

Julie Yoder, Garrett College's dean of continuing education and workforce development (CEWD), said the College is "proud of Malia's accomplishments, including her academic performance throughout the Paramedic program, her successful challenge of the National Registry Exam, and her service to the community."

Martin credited her best friend, Anna Orendorf, with "a huge part of my success."

"Anna graduated from the hybrid paramedic program with me," said Martin, who met Orendorf when they were in the same EMT class. "We've spent countless hours studying together, learning together, and taking calls together, too. We've helped each other and I'm so grateful that we could do it together."

Justin Orendorf, chief of the Bittinger Volunteer Fire Department, said Martin has been an impressive addition to the department.

"There aren't many kids her age who have accomplished everything she's accomplished," said Orendorf. "She has a very bright future."

Orendorf said he thought Bittinger's mentorship program helped Martin as a young fire department volunteer.

"If you're able to have someone to take them [new volunteers] under their wing and show them the ropes, that makes a huge difference," said Orendorf, adding that Martin's commitment will continue to make her successful in her chosen field.

"She knows what she wants to do," said Orendorf. "If she gets involved with something, she's going to give 100 percent. Malia decided it was definitely something she wanted to do."