by Hanna Singh
Ruston fire fighter and paramedic student, Titus Watts, recently earned a gold medal at the SkillsUSA competition in New Orleans.
Watts, who is studying at Louisiana Delta Community College, triumphed in the state-level competition and will now represent Louisiana at the national SkillsUSA championship in Atlanta this June.
Watts began his career with the Ruston Fire Department by earning his EMT certification at the Arkansas Fire Training Academy. He was then offered the opportunity to pursue his paramedic certification at Louisiana Delta Community College. Watts explained why he chose to join the Ruston Fire Department and the opportunities it provided.
“I came to Ruston Fire because I wanted to help out within the community, and I was looking forward most to the firefighting aspect of the job,” Watts said. “However, when I got here, I realized how motivating the job was and how many opportunities they offered. They helped me to further my education and pursue what I was passionate about.”
While at Delta, Watts was introduced to the SkillsUSA competition. The paramedic program sent him to the state competition to represent the school in the CPR event, where he performed a CPR and first aid scenario in front of a panel of judges, who critiqued him for accuracy. He triumphantly returned home with a first-place medal.
Kayla Rains, the EMT and paramedic program director for Louisiana Delta Community College, expressed her pride in Watts’ dedication.
“Titus is poised to become an exceptional paramedic,” Rains said. “As a dedicated adult learner and experienced firefighter, he brings both commitment and a sharp wit to his work.”
At the Ruston Fire Department, Watts plans to continue his education at Delta and eventually become a paramedic. He believes he is on the right career path and that he is doing something where he can truly make a difference.
“After going to EMT school, I really fell in love with riding in the ambulance and helping people each day,” Watts said. “So, it only felt right to continue my career journey and go to paramedic school. I just want to say thank you to the Ruston Fire Department for giving me these opportunities. They gave me a purposeful job and something that I love.”
After his recent success, Watts will now prepare for the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia, in June. David Wells, the director of EMS at the Ruston Fire Department, expressed the department’s full support for Watts.
“Titus is a valued member of our team and a pleasure to work with,” Wells said. “We are proud of his recent accomplishments, and we also look forward to seeing him represent the Ruston Fire Department and the state of Louisiana at the national skills competition.”
With his dedication to both his education and career, along with his passion for EMS work, Watts is an excellent candidate to represent Ruston and Louisiana at the national level. His hard work and commitment to learning make him a standout member of the Ruston Fire Department team and a promising future paramedic.
