By Clark Judge
(July 15, 2026) — Mike and Marguerite Haaga have instructed EMT classes at the Killingworth Ambulance Association for more than two decades, with several of their understudies among the KAA’s current roster of techs. But that run is about to end. The two plan to step down next year and leave the area.
Until then, however, nothing is changed. They will do what they always do this time of year: They will teach another class.
This one starts on Monday, August 24, 2026 and is scheduled to end on Saturday, December 12, 2026. As usual, it will be taught on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. as well as on five Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Plus, it’s open to anyone turning 16 by December 12, 2026, though students 17 and younger must have their parents’ consent.
The cost is $1,000, but that figure can be reimbursed. If class graduates are active KAA members for six months, half of the money is returned. If they remain with the KAA for an entire year, they recoup the entire sum.
A year ago, the Haagas led a class of twelve students, ages 17 to 50, with all but two now certified — including one who’s an active KAA tech (on the schedule, responded to a call or both) and another who’s an officer with the Killingworth Voluntary Ambulance Association. Everything about that class was unusual, especially its size. It was larger than any Marguerite Haaga could recall.
“I never expected that many,” she said. “They came out of nowhere. And we didn’t lose one student. We started with twelve, and we ended up with twelve. But the more you have, the better it is because you have more thoughts, ideas and people who aren’t afraid to ask questions. That class of students was very gratifying, especially because they were successful. For us, that’s the biggest thing.”
This year’s course marks the Haagas’ fifth consecutive autumn class since COVID cancelled the 2020 fall program and a shortage of students erased the 2021 course. A minimum of four students is required to hold a class, with one already enrolled for this year, signing up shortly after a sign was posted outside the KAA last week.
“I guess I feel a little bit of nostalgia,” Marguerite admitted of their last bow, “but I just hope we’ll be able to fill the class and produce more EMTs for the town or the surrounding area.”
The KAA, which responded to more than a 1,600 emergency calls the past three years (including a record 562 in 2023), currently has a roster of 23 EMTs, with all but one active and over half (13) taught by the Haagas. Worth six college credits, the 160-hour EMT course is highly recommended for persons interested in pursuing medical careers. For more information, please contact the Killingworth Ambulance Association at (860) 663-2450.
Photo by Clark Judge
