Kentucky
State Representative Mark Hart pushing to incentivize EMS personnel
(LEX 18) — The average salary for an emergency medical technician in Kentucky is just under $38,000 per year as of the start of September, according to the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services.
The low pay contributes to well-documented turnover issues throughout the state. In July, LEX 18 reported that the total attrition rate for all provider levels in the 2024 renewal cycle was 14.89% for EMS personnel, down 4% from 2023 renewals.
The connection between low pay and reimbursement rates was the subject of a conversation between LEX 18 and State Representative Mark Hart, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the EMS profession to his legislative role.
“Like a lot of people with their professions, I’ve just really built the passion,” Hart said.
Hart is a retired firefighter and paramedic who understands the financial challenges facing current EMS workers.
Pay remains an ongoing concern for paramedics and EMTs. As Lexi Bowman from Georgetown Scott County EMS told LEX 18 in July, money isn’t the primary motivation for entering the field.
“We don’t go into this for the money, no one that works here will tell you that they did this for the money,” Bowman said.
When it comes to incentivizing people to pursue EMS careers, particularly regarding wages and reimbursement, Hart said the conversation should begin with recognizing the true role of these professionals.
“Our EMTs and our paramedics, they’re healthcare professionals, they’re not just a taxi driver, so to speak, they’re not just there for transport,” Hart said.
Hart said several initiatives are currently in the works to try to increase the number of paramedics in the workforce, with the state hoping to see modest results in the next two years. However, financial constraints continue to pose challenges.
“Due to the increased cost in equipment and supplies it sometimes it makes it impossible for the money to be there,” Hart said.
For EMS workers like Bowman, the desire for better compensation isn’t just about money — it’s about recognition.
“It would always be nice to make a little bit more than we do, just to know that we’re a little bit more appreciated,” Bowman said.
Hart has already pushed for an EMS Professionals Foundation Program Fund that would provide an annual training payment of $4,800 to eligible EMS professionals.
The proposed fund represents one potential solution to address both training needs and financial incentives in Kentucky’s EMS workforce.
This is Hart’s statement, in part, on attrition rates: “After speaking with the KBEMS, it is a little tough to compare attrition rates from two years ago to current numbers. Several previous providers were reinstated during Covid-19 because it was free and easy to do due to the emergency regulations. However, a sizable portion didn’t complete the certificate of need hours and renew, artificially reducing the attrition rate. Nonetheless, the numbers are marginally lower and trending a little more in the right direction.”
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.
Cash Ball
02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 6-3-0
Midday: 9-6-0
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 5-7-6-0
Midday: 5-2-6-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
On Thursday, Kentucky’s home and away SEC opponents for the 2026-27 season were revealed and on top of learning the three opponents who they will play twice, there are some very intriguing matchups. In conference play, Kentucky will face six teams who are among the top 25 in many preseason rankings.
In SEC play, Kentucky will play Tennessee, Vandy and Ole Miss all both home and away. The home matchups include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vandy. As for the road tilts, the Wildcats will face Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Vandy. Let’s take a look at some interesting developments from the schedule release.
John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena (again)
In Calipari’s first year with Arkansas, he got the best of Kentucky when he came into Rupp Arena and left with a 10-point victory, a game where you could really feel the tension all game long in the building from Kentucky fans, which translated onto the court with the players. Last season, it was Kentucky who shocked everyone when they stole one on the road against a top 20 Arkansas team after a rough up-and-down season up to that point. Now, the two will face off again as Kentucky will look to get the win in Rupp and make sure Calipari doesn’t get two in a row in the building. It’ll be another highly-anticipated showdown.
Kentucky hits the road at Texas
This is shaping up to be a major challenge for Kentucky next season and may even end up being one of the biggest games of the season. Texas is seen by many as a clear top 10 team, with some even having them within the top five and when you combine that with the fact that the game is on the road, the Wildcats will have their hands full. The Wildcats fell to the longhorns in the 2024-25 season, and it’ll be a much stiffer challenge this time.
Which game could be a trap?
We don’t have the game-by-game dates yet, so it’s hard to say with a lot of confidence, but opponent-wise, Georgia could really give Kentucky fits. In Pope’s first year, his team struggled handling the physicality of the Bulldogs and now, they’ve retained one of their best guards for another year and have added physicality through the portal. Mike White’s teams love to make opponents uncomfortable and they could do that once again down in Athens. Another sneaky team to watch is Oklahoma, who will have very good guard play. Kentucky will face both teams on the road.
Overall, it’s a pretty fair SEC schedule for a Kentucky team who has the capability of a return to being atop the conference once again. Mark Pope has such a system-fit squad and he can do some damage in the SEC.
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Fourth of July festivities to celebrate in Louisville
See the Fourth of July festivities planned in Louisville for America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.
Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.
Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?
Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.
Are fireworks legal in Louisville?
In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.
If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.
But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky
How to use fireworks safely
The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:
- Use fireworks outdoors.
- Obey local laws.
- Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
- Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
- Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
- Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
- Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
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