EMSKY Spotlight: Captain Raban J. Hennequant
December 1st, 2025
Serving with Purpose
We are proud to spotlight Captain Raban Hennequant of Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS. His dedication to education, professional growth, and service has shaped a strong learning environment for future EMS providers across Jefferson County. Through his leadership as EMS Training Officer, the program has strengthened instruction, expanded resources, and reinforced a culture built on teamwork and high standards.
Raban approaches each cohort with a message that creates trust and sets expectations. He reminds students that “in very short order, we will be peers.” He works to show “through my actions that I am just as, if not more, invested in their success than they are.” He stays accessible, steady, and supportive in a curriculum that asks a lot from every learner. His approach reflects his belief that “education is about giving students the tools they need to learn, not only teaching content.”
Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS, in partnership with Jefferson Community and Technical College, continues to advance prehospital education with high fidelity simulation, collaborative training, and a commitment to quality instruction.
Education and Training Advancements
Education remains at the center of Captain Hennequant’s work. He begins with practical application in mind and teaches every topic through the lens of patient care. He keeps students engaged by explaining why each lesson matters. “If you don’t tell the students how the content benefits their practice and why they need to know it, you never hooked your audience.”
Anchorage Middletown invested early in advanced training tools. The program uses a Laerdal SimMan, a Sim Jr, and VRPatients through JCTC. Raban believes high fidelity simulation “helps put the cognitive knowledge into practice” and that virtual reality “can be wonderful when used appropriately, mainly to build critical decision making skills.”
Students face challenges tied to the pace, pressure, and complexity of EMS training. Raban supports them by staying present, modeling composure, and reinforcing that he is a resource throughout their journey. Strong partnerships with JCTC and Anchorage Fire have expanded the program’s capabilities and strengthened student support.
Professional Growth and Critical Care
Captain Hennequant completed an advanced Critical Care Paramedic course to strengthen his clinical knowledge and instructional approach. The experience influences the way he teaches complex topics. He believes advanced education helps providers think more broadly, perform with confidence, and stay adaptable in a changing field.
He integrates advanced concepts into instruction in ways that are simple, structured, and linked to patient outcomes. His advice for educators and providers considering higher certifications is steady and practical. Push yourself. Learn with intention. Use the experience to support others.
Fire Service and Leadership
Raban’s fire service career began with a commitment to serve his community and be part of a profession built on teamwork and purpose. His role has evolved into leadership, instruction, and daily mentorship. His recent recognition at Anchorage Middletown Fire & EMS reflects his dedication and the department’s strong culture. The award highlights his reliability, professionalism, and impact on both students and colleagues.
He uses his experience in service and education to guide others. He encourages teamwork, calm decision making, and communication that builds trust. His approach strengthens the environment around him and supports providers at every level.
Kentucky Leadership Academy: Growth and Future Impact
Captain Hennequant was recently accepted into the Kentucky Leadership Academy. The opportunity reflects his commitment to personal development and his desire to shape EMS from both the educational and operational sides. He shared that stepping into more formal leadership roles brings “hope, but also anxiety,” because he holds himself and others to high standards. His motivation comes from a belief in challenging himself and fighting for better conditions for providers wherever he has influence.
He hopes to refine himself as a leader and learn the skills needed to “play the game” on a larger scale so he can help influence change across Kentucky. The leadership program will support his growth as an educator. He believes strong teaching relies on trust. “If students cannot trust you to provide the level of care and exemplify the values you attempt to instill in them, why would they buy into your lessons? Servant leadership belongs in the classroom.”
Communication remains a key area he wants to strengthen. He hopes to learn how to deliver information effectively to students, stakeholders, and administrative partners to advocate for better conditions. He plans to bring the lessons he learns directly into the classroom. He believes leadership is a core part of paramedic identity. Providers make critical decisions and manage incidents under pressure, which requires strong leadership skills.
He is especially interested in the leadership component of the academy and the chance to network with EMS leaders across the state. He believes the experience will support his long-term goals by strengthening his ability to advocate for students and education at a statewide level. He values the chance to learn from mentors, gain insight into EMS administration, and understand common pitfalls.
His advice to educators wanting to grow their leadership skills is direct and honest. “Take ownership immediately. Students’ failures are your failures. Their inability to grasp concepts is your responsibility. You meet the students where they are. On their level. If they are in a hole, get in it with them, but bring a ladder.”
Perspective and Impact
Teaching and service continue to motivate Captain Hennequant. He values the moments when students build confidence and recognize their ability to succeed. He hopes EMS education evolves with more simulation, stronger focus on critical thinking, and better preparation for the emotional demands of the profession.
One of his guiding principles comes from Proverbs. He carries with him, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This message reflects how he teaches, how he leads, and how he works to strengthen the EMS community.
EMSKY’s Closing Note
Captain Raban Hennequant continues to advance EMS education in Kentucky with steady leadership, thoughtful instruction, and a commitment to supporting future providers. Through simulation investment, mentorship, and a student-first approach, he represents the values that move our profession forward. EMSKY is proud to highlight his contributions and the positive influence he brings to EMS across our state.