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About Us

We are the Ohio EMS Chiefs Association

The Ohio EMS Chiefs Association represents the leadership and crews of public, EMS-only departments in the state legislature, on national EMS boards, and much more. 

 

When medical emergencies happen, your local Emergency Medical Service is normally the first to respond. In Ohio, this assistance could be sent from a number of sources: A fire department that offers both fire and EMS response, a private ambulance company authorized to take 9-1-1 EMS calls, or a government agency specifically designed and equipped to handle Emergency Medical Service requests as their sole focus. 

 

Government managed, taxpayer-funded “third service” (as in, not affiliated with fire or law enforcement) departments are located throughout Ohio. Many of these agencies cover an entire county, some offer municipal response, and in other cases, the EMS agency serves a township, or multiple townships, or they operate inside a specially-created EMS District.

OEMSCA

Vision

A united network of empowered EMS leaders transforming Ohio's Public Third Service delivery system through leadership, innovation, and shared commitment to exceptional care for every community.

Nine officials in dark uniforms standing together
Group of uniformed professionals at a meeting

OEMSCA

Mission

We are dedicated to developing strong, visionary leaders who work together to ensure the highest quality in Ohio's Public Third Service EMS.
 

Through encouragement, education, and collaboration we help EMS leaders build integrity, accountability, and excellence across the system.

OEMSCA

Core Values

Integrity- we lead with honesty, transparency, and respect.
Accountability- we take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
Equity- we believe every community deserves equal access to quality EMS care.
Perseverance- we stay committed to our mission through challenges and change.
Diligence- we worked with focus and determination to strengthen our system.
Discipline- we uphold professionalism and purpose in everything we do.
Collaboration- we achieve more when we learn and lead together.
Education- we foster continual growth, leadership, and excellence in EMS.

Man presents to audience, banner about Ohio public safety.
Coshocton County EMS ambulance

OEMSCA

Goals

The Ohio EMS Chiefs Association represents the leadership and crews of public, EMS-only departments in the state legislature, on national EMS boards, and much more. 


Our goal is to provide a sustained and collective voice to our elected officials, professional associations, and the general public about the needs and continued viability of third service EMS. We also strive to provide career and volunteer EMS chiefs, chief officers, and managers with innovation and leadership through vision, information, education, services, and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities.

2026 Executive Board

The OEMSCA Executive Board meets online on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00am.

If meeting in person, the time and location will be shared before the meeting.

Man in uniform with gold trim, OEMSCA background
Woman in EMS uniform standing in front of OEMSC backdrop
Ohio EMS Chiefs Association OEMSCA logo, Est. 2013
Man in officer's uniform, OEMSCA backdrop

Shaun Buehner

Jessica Weikert

Chris Sanchez

Chris Johnson

President

South Central Ambulance District

s.buehner@oemsca.org

Vice President

Union Twp Life Squad

j.weikert@oemsca.org

Secretary

Community EMS District

secretary@oemsca.org

Treasurer

Jackson County EMS

treasurer@oemsca.org

Officer in uniform in front of OEMSCA Star of Life backdrop

Eric Burns

Immediate Past President

Tri-Village Joint Ambulance District

ericburns1194@gmail.com

Regional Representatives

Man in uniform with gold trim before OEMSCA logos

Henry Smitley

South Lorain County

hsmitley@slcadems.org

Man in dark uniform with badge, OEMSCA logo background

Kenan Mylander

Bearded man in police uniform

Orlando Wheeler

Man in dark uniform with badges

Vince Gildone

Northwest Ambulance District

VGildone@northwestambulance.com

Officer in uniform

Andrew Roy

BMRT Ambulance District

chief@bmrtambulance.com

Agency Members

Third Service EMS Map

Map of Ohio and surrounding states with colored pins
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