Subject:
Title
Reappointments to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Sitting as the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Authority, approve the following reappointments to the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council for two-year terms ending July 2026:
• Reappoint Chief Scott Ehlers as City of Clearwater Fire Chief representative.
• Reappoint Chief Anthony Tedesco as City of Clearwater Fire Chief alternate.
• Reappoint Chief Terry Tokarz as Emergency Medical Services Coordinator representative.
• Reappoint Chief Doug Zimmerman as Emergency Medical Services Coordinator alternate.
• Reappoint Ms. Nancy Hopkins as the Emergency Nurses’ Association representative.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach.
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support.
Summary:
Summary
Chiefs Ehlers and Tedesco are currently the appointed member and alternate representing the City of Clearwater. The City desires they continue to serve another two-year term on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Council.
Chiefs Tokarz and Zimmerman (alternate) are currently the appointed member and alternate and have been nominated by the EMS Leadership Group to serve another two-year term on the EMS Advisory Council representing all system EMS Coordinators.
Ms. Hopkins is volunteering to serve another two-year term as the Emergency Nurses’ Association representative. Ms. Hopkins is the Director of Patient Services for Mease Dunedin Hospital.
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Background Information:
The Council was created by Chapter 80-585, Laws of Florida, and is made up of 24 members that constitute a broad spectrum of county representation. It is the responsibility of Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (EMSAC) to fulfill the objectives outlined in the bylaws under Article II, Section 2.1. It is the responsibility of this council to evaluate the County's emergency medical services system from a qualitative point of view, to review the operation of EMS on a countywide basis, to recommend requirements and programs for the contract management firm and monitor performance of same, to review and evaluate studies commissioned by the authority upon the authority's request, and to make such recommendations as may be necessary to the authority on needs, problems and opportunities relating to emergency medical services, including the financing and establishment of a trauma center or centers, and to carry out such other duties as may be required to insure the delivery of good, countywide EMS at reasonable cost.
Twenty-four members appointed by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners acting as the EMS Authority. Members constitute a broad spectrum of the County representation and shall include members of the emergency medical services system and four mayors to be appointed by the Pinellas County Council of Mayors. The term of appointment shall be for two years; however, there is no limit on the number of terms an individual may serve. The Director of Emergency Medical Services for Pinellas County shall be a non-voting member of the Council.
The details of the selection process of the various appointed positions are included in the EMS Advisory Council bylaws, Section 3.1.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
James G. Fogarty, Director, Safety and Emergency Services
Partners:
EMS Advisory Council
Attachments:
EMS Advisory Council Roster
Chief Ehlers’ Resume
Chief Tedesco’s Resume
Chief Tokarz’s Resume
Chief Zimmerman’s Biography
Ms. Hopkins’ Resume