The 2009 Virginia General Assembly legislated a new position on the State Board of Health to represent the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community. Of the many qualified people in the departments of EMS and Fire statewide, Governor Kaine has selected Chief Bruce W. Edwards, director of the Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services to fill the inaugural four-year term.

The legislation states: “The EMS Community Representative shall be a representative of the Emergency Medical Services community . . . and will provide the State Board of Health with leadership and technical assistance regarding all matters related to EMS. The individual will work cooperatively as a member of the Board of Health to enhance EMS system coordination, planning and response to ensure the provision of the highest quality Emergency Medical Care to citizens and visitors of the Commonwealth.”

In his letter of reference supporting Chief Edwards' nomination, Virginia Beach Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. wrote: “Bruce's leadership over the years has resulted in the creation of an EMS delivery system that I believe is second to none.” In the statewide notification to EMS leaders announcing Chief Edwards' appointment, Gary Brown, Director of the State Office of EMS wrote: “Bruce has lifetime knowledge of EMS planning, operations, and training.  I am confident that he will bring honor, knowledge, leadership, objectivity and a systems approach to his new position.”

Upon learning of the appointment, Chief Edwards stated: “I am honored that my peers have supported me and I am so very proud to have been selected by the Governor for this distinguished position. The creation of this position on the State Board of Health recognizes the importance of EMS as a key participant in public health.”

Chief Edwards leads the largest volunteer based EMS Department in the country, and has been the leader and architect of many advances and innovations in EMS since the start of his career in 1967. Among his many accomplishments, Chief Edwards holds a master’s degree of public administration, was in the first Cardiac Technician class in Virginia, remains an active Paramedic, and was just reappointed to the State EMS Advisory Board in 2009. His leadership was instrumental in developing the multi-faceted Emergency Response System (ERS) we have today in the city.

This appointment recognizes the importance of EMS as well as the tremendous contribution of Chief Edwards and the many volunteer and career providers in the City's Department of EMS.  It truly brings honor and prestige to the City of Virginia Beach and its EMS team.

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