NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGION
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Niagara Emergency Medical Services (Niagara EMS) is pleased to announce that after completing a fulsome recruitment process, Rick Ferron is the successful candidate for the role of director of emergency services/EMS chief.
For the past year Ferron has served as acting chief, and previously worked as deputy chief - system performance. He started his career as a paramedic in Niagara after graduating from Niagara College in 1991, and has worked as a primary care paramedic, advanced care paramedic, and in various management level positions leading to his current position.
Ferron is also currently working to complete his PhD in Health Research Methods at McMaster University, building on to his Bachelors of Education (Adult Education) degree from Brock University in 2009 and a Masters of Health Management from McMaster University in 2015.
The EMS chief is responsible for leading the department in providing appropriate 24-hour medical response to 911 callers experiencing injury or illness across Niagara. The team operates 19 bases and a community response unit to respond to approximately 90,000 911 calls per year.
Over the past year as Acting Chief, Ferron has adeptly managed record high offload delays, the December 2022 winter storm, and successfully advocated for additional ambulance and dispatch resources.
Quotes
"I would like to congratulate Rick on this appointment and thank him for his continued leadership. His time as acting chief has proven our confidence in him has been well placed, and I look forward to continuing to work together." - Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Public Health and Emergency Services
"I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the capacity of chief with the amazing staff of Niagara EMS, as they continue to innovate and lead the way. They have also continued to show exceptional strength and character during this transitional time. I hope that finalizing this appointment will set us up well to keep advocating for EMS priorities in order to offer the excellent, progressive service that Niagara residents have come to expect." - Rick Ferron, chief, Niagara Emergency Medical Services
"On behalf of Regional Council and the Board of Health, I want to extend my congratulations to Richard Ferron for his appointment as the permanent chief of Niagara Emergency Medical Services. With decades of hands-on experience in all facets of EMS, I am confident that chief Ferron is the right choice for this important role. For the last year, Council has been able to rely on Rick for his expertise, candor and clear communication and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new and permanent role." -Regional Chair, Jim Bradley
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