By Hunter Oberst
The Keene Sentinel
SWANZEY, N.H. 鈥� Cheshire County leadership announced in a news release that Charles 鈥淐had鈥� McMurrer has been officially promoted to chief of Cheshire EMS.
McMurrer, a Hillsboro resident, assumed the role Saturday after having served in an interim capacity since the beginning of March. McMurrer joined the county-run EMS service in November 2022 and has since served as a paramedic, shift captain and assistant chief.
McMurrer succeeds previous Chief Michael Spain, who stepped down last October after a little over a year with the organization. Cheshire County Administrator Christopher Coates said Spain left to move back to family in Illinois.
When McMurrer took the interim role, the county said it was expected he would become permanent chief this June.
County Commission Chairman Jack Wozmak commended McMurrer in the news release, noting that he鈥檚 served with distinction.
鈥淭he Commissioners having seen Chad in his roles with Cheshire County EMS since its inception, continue to be unanimous in their approval of Chad鈥檚 ability to lead Cheshire County EMS into the future,鈥� he said.
Coates added his praise for McMurrer in the news release.
鈥淒uring his service as interim chief, Chad鈥檚 performance has clearly exemplified all of the qualities a county-based EMS program requires,鈥� he said. 鈥淗e has met all the goals and expectations that were established for him, and I am excited by his progressive and thoughtful leadership of Cheshire County EMS.鈥�
While McMurrer is serving as head of the organization, Cheshire EMS also has two deputy chiefs in Mark Kreamer, appointed in January, and Ed Atkins, appointed in April, who manage clinical services and operations, respectively.
Cheshire EMS provides primary ambulance transportation, paramedic intercept care, backup services or any combination of the three in 19 communities, according to the news release.
In speaking with a reporter Tuesday, McMurrer emphasized his confidence in Cheshire EMS鈥� leadership.
鈥淚 think it shows that we鈥檙e stabilizing and coming out of a transition as we continue to grow and move the EMS service in the county forward,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 very excited for the leadership we have in place now to continue to move the department forward and collaborate throughout the county.
鈥淚 just want to continue to put forth the tenets of being positive, professional and collaborating throughout the county.鈥�
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