Page 66 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2021

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI
IN THE MAKING
MGCCC Offers High-Quality Training and Excellent Job Opportunities to First Responders
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) is a training ground for many of South Mississippi’s heroes. Training first responders in health sciences, criminal justice and other vital areas, MGCCC prepares students to successfully complete their jobs
with not only technical skills, but also with problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills. In jobs where every second counts, having the knowledge and preparation in both hard and soft skills is vital.
Zak Layton, a student in the Paramedic program, currently works for the Harrison County Fire Department as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). He believes having instructors with decades of real-world experience makes a huge difference in training. “Our instructors at MGCCC have so many years of experience and training they can use as tools to teach us,” he said. “They just know how everything should work, the problems we will encounter and how to overcome failures and mistakes.”
Cody McDaniel, a 2021 graduate of the Paramedic program, currently
works for the Biloxi Fire Department. He agrees with Layton’s assessment. “Almost all of the students in the Paramedic program are working as EMTs, which certainly helps with training,” he said. “But it is the quality of instruction at MGCCC that truly prepares students for the job.”
The Emergency Medical Sciences Paramedic program at MGCCC is a four-semester program that leads to not only certification but also an associate degree. It is one of two schools in the state that require the degree as well as certification.
“This is the program to be in if
you are wanting to be an EMT
or Paramedic,” McDaniel said.
“When you finish here, you will have ambulance services and fire-rescue units seeking you out for jobs. This program just stands out that much.”
Chad Seymour and Corina McSwain, both officers with the D’Iberville Police Department and former MGCCC students, say the same thing about the Criminal Justice Technology program at the college.
“Jo Anne Daniels, our instructor in the Criminal Justice program, always managed to give us tips on how to remember important details, and she emphasized the importance of not only enforcing the law but how important interpersonal and communication skills are on the job,” Seymour said. “That has absolutely made a difference in my career and how I approach every call I go on and every traffic stop I make.”
McSwain added, “She is just very passionate about law enforcement as well as justice. She taught us about individual’s rights, of course, but also about how we are representatives of the law, the city and state. She stressed the importance of justice for all individuals, from the victim to the accused. Using those skills and the knowledge she has taught me has made me a better officer and makes me proud of what I do in service to my community.”
story and photos courtesy of MGCCC
Zak Layton.
Cody McDaniel.
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
66 | July 2021
From Left to Right:
Chad Seymour, Corina McSwain, and Jo Anne Daniels.
Heroes