Hawthorne Named OCTC Paramedic Technology Program Coordinator

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (07/08/2026) — Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) has named Les Hawthorne as the new coordinator of its Paramedic Technology program.

Hawthorne succeeds Joe Dennison, who joined OCTC as a paramedic lab instructor in 2017 and is retiring after years of dedicated service to the college and its students.

With nearly four decades of emergency medical services experience, Hawthorne brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the program. During his 38 years as a paramedic, he has served in a variety of roles, including street paramedic, operations manager, chief paramedic, EMS instructor, paramedic program coordinator, state director of licensure and certification, and state EMS training director. He is also an EMS author with a lifelong passion for advancing the profession through education and training.

Hawthorne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Theology. He is certified as a Kentucky Paramedic Educator and a Maryland Fire Service Level III Instructor. He has also completed the National Fire Academy's Fire Service Course Design and Training Program Management programs.

Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC Chancellor, said Hawthorne's extensive experience and passion for EMS education make him an excellent choice to lead the program.

"We are fortunate to have Les join our team," Williams said. "He brings extensive real-world experience, exceptional knowledge of the profession, and a genuine passion for preparing future paramedics. His enthusiasm for teaching and commitment to student success are evident, and I know our students and community partners will benefit from his leadership."

Hawthorne said he looks forward to helping prepare the next generation of emergency medical professionals.

"I'm honored to lead OCTC's Paramedic Technology program and help prepare the next generation of emergency medical professionals," Hawthorne said. "My goal is to provide students with a challenging, supportive learning environment while strengthening our partnerships with EMS agencies and healthcare providers throughout the communities we serve. Together, we'll equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a difference when it matters most."

OCTC's Paramedic Technology program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP). The curriculum meets the National EMS Education Standards and the requirements established by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS). Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-Paramedic) examination.

The next cohort begins in August. The four-semester hybrid program combines primarily online coursework with limited in-person instruction. While the program is based at OCTC in Owensboro, hands-on laboratory experiences are also offered in Paducah, Bowling Green, and Elizabethtown, providing greater accessibility for students across the region. Graduates may earn both a Paramedic Technology certificate and an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Admission is competitive, and applicants must already hold Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification before entering the program.

For more information about the Paramedic Technology program, contact Les Hawthorne at les.hawthorne@kctcs.edu or contact the START Center at 270-686-4444. Prospective students may also apply online at Owensboro.kctcs.edu or visit the START Center on OCTC's Main Campus, 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro. The START Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.