Bob McCaughan began his EMS career at Monroeville Volunteer Fire Department #4 in 1972 when he was certified as one of the early Emergency Medical Technicians in Allegheny County. After completing his Emergency Medical Technician II (Paramedic) training at Columbia Hospital in 1974, Bob was among the first group of paramedics hired for Penn Hills Township EMS – the first municipally funded EMS agency in Pennsylvania. One year later, he joined the Emergency Medical Services Program for the City of Pittsburgh (as a Field Supervisor) when it was established, and he played a significant leadership role in its growth and development over the ensuing years.
He served as the Chief of Pittsburgh EMS from 2004 until 2012 when he was recruited by Highmark Health. Joining Highmark Health as the Vice President of Prehospital Care Services, Bob’s initial charge was to evaluate and improve Highmark’s relationship with the EMS community. During that time, Bob transitioned over to Highmark’s Integrated Delivery System and helped build what would become Allegheny Health Network.
A former faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Bob also completed the Executive Leadership Program at the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security. He served on several Boards, including the International Association of EMS Chiefs (as a founding member and Vice President) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council from which he received the EMS Administrator of the Year Award. He also served as President of EMS West from 2013-2020 and continues to serve as a board member. Bob also served as Chair of the Allegheny County EMS Council from 2008-2014 and established the Allegheny County EMS Chiefs Association in 2012. Co-chairing the Health Medical Subcommittee, he sat on the United States Secret Service / Pittsburgh G-20 Summit Executive Steering Committee in 2009, for which he commanded the largest EMS contingent ever mobilized in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He also traveled to Israel as part of a 10-member EMS delegation from the United States to observe firsthand their strategies and best practices for responding to mass casualty incidents and terrorism.
Although Bob retired from Allegheny Health Network in 2021, he continues to stay engaged in EMS matters as a member of the Citizens Concerned for EMS.
Walt Alan Stoy, PhD, EMT-P is Professor Emeritus and the founding Director of the Emergency Medicine Program at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Stoy was the founding Director of the Office of Educational and International Emergency Medicine at the Center for Emergency Medicine (CEM). He remains Director Emeritus at the CEM Office of Education. Walt started at the Center and the University in 1981.
Walt’s accomplishments in his early years in the School of Medicine include the creation of the fourth year Elective in Emergency Medicine as well as classes for third-year and first-year medical students. He oversaw numerous continuing educational programs for all levels of healthcare providers. His primary goal was the creation of paramedic education at CEM. The first class started at CEM in 1982.
Walt assisted with the creation of STAT MEDEVAC and worked part-time as a flight paramedic for 12 years (84-96). His prior efforts as a paramedic date back to 1975 working initially for two funeral home-based EMS systems prior to joining the City of Pittsburgh EMS bureau in 1977 through 1981.
Upon the completion of his doctoral degree, he was sought by U.S. DOT-NHTSA to serve as the Principal Investigator over the EMT-B national standard curricula revision project. Following that successful undertaking, he was contracted to direct the revisions to the First Responder, EMT-Intermediate and Paramedic curricula projects.
During this same time frame, Walt was finding like-minded colleagues to create the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE). This organization has thousands of members across the nation who are engaged in the education of EMS personnel.
In the later part of the 1990s his efforts saw the implementation of the nation’s first and only Emergency Medicine undergraduate degree at SHRS. Although there are other programs similar in nature, PITT has the only BS degree in Emergency Medicine.
He has a rich history of involvement internationally in the Middle East and directed one of the projects with UPMC International. A contract was in place for several years in Qatar to enhance emergency medicine aspects including EMS, emergency medicine as well as a trauma system.
At the request of the former Dean of SHRS, Walt was asked to oversee the creation of a Physician Assistant Studies Program. The process started in 2008 and by January 2010 the first class of 22 students were seated.
Over the many decades, Walt worked with various individuals and organizations to create instructional materials. Over 80 publications that included videos, textbooks, workbooks, textbook chapters, and instructional texts have been created to enhance the EMS domain.
Walt continues to serve as a site visitor and reader for Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions (CoAEMSP). His efforts with this organization assist in ensuring the integrity of EMS educational facilities across the country.
Walt’s most rewarding efforts in his 41 years at the university is with his interactions with his students. His love for teaching will be in place until he draws his last breath. Although he is retiring from the university, he shall continue to work with those who seek him to make a difference in healthcare and beyond.
Retirement from the university and CEM positioned Walt to become self-employed. Engaged with multiple projects by various organizations he continues to thrive in his two loves: EMS and Education. In 2023 he worked with several other individuals to create yet another organization.
Citizens Concerned for EMS - CC4EMS.ORG is an advocacy group of predominately retired EMS professionals seeking to share our knowledge to ensure if you live, is not dependent on where you live.
John Moon is a distinguished figure in the world of emergency medical services (EMS), having served as both a former Freedom House Paramedic and retired Assistant Chief of Pittsburgh EMS, amassing an impressive 34 years of service. Throughout his career, John Moon has been a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, widely sought after as a keynote speaker on the historic legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service. His insights have captivated audiences at esteemed events such as the NAEMSP 40th Annual Conference in Austin, Texas, and the Jimmy Carter Library in Atlanta.
John Moon’s contributions extend beyond the lecture hall, as he has collaborated on the bestselling novel "American Sirens: Black Men Who Were America's First Paramedics," authored by Kevin Hazzard. His impact on the field is further illuminated by his appearance in the Emmy Award-winning documentary "First Responders" by PBS/WQED. A consummate scholar and advocate, John Moon has shared his expertise through presentations such as "NEJM Legacy of Freedom House" and has been a pivotal voice on panels discussing diversity and inclusion, including the AHN Diversity & Inclusion panel. His dedication to education is evident in his roles as a keynote speaker for esteemed institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the Pitt Graduate School of Public Health.
John Moon’s commitment to honoring the legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service was recognized on a national stage when he was invited as a special guest to the White House during the State of the Union Address, where a proclamation before Congress celebrated the Congressional Gold Medal honoring the service. As a founding member of the Freedom House 2.0 Training Program, John Moon continues to shape the future of EMS, leaving an indelible mark on the profession through his tireless dedication and unwavering passion for service.
Norman’s experience, training, and education within the fire service, Emergency Medical Services, and Emergency Management have allowed him to parallel his various public safety positions over the past 45 years with a degree in Management.
Norman is married to high-school sweetheart Diane, of 41 years; they have 2 sons, Nathan, a Logistics Manager for Crofton Industries in Newport News Virginia; and Ryan, a Police Sergeant with the Murrysville Police Department Pennsylvania. He truly enjoys his two daughters-in-law (Daley and Kinsey) and his grandson Ryker who is 5 years old. Norman and Diane reside in Sarver (Butler County) Pennsylvania.
Norman was hired in 1979 as a City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services Paramedic and left the bureau in 2012 as a District Chief. His career then led him to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency as the first Director of the Special Deployment and Response Office through 2016. Norman then accepted the position as the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Assistant Fire Chief of Operations in 2017 and then Norman retired in 2022.
His current certifications include being a Pro-Board-Certified Firefighter II, Fire Officer, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander and Technician, Fire Instructor, Structural Collapse Rescue Technician, Trench Rescue Technician, and Vehicle & Machinery Rescue Technician.
Also, he holds an active PA-DOH Paramedic License, UPMC Medical Command, and has all related National Incident Management Systems certifications, including ICS-300 and ICS-400.
With all this above, he appreciates and enjoys his family time, his chance to grow personally and professionally, and his family and co-workers support to succeed. Norman feels that you need to learn something new every day to make it all worthwhile.
A by-chance interaction during Gary’s 10th Grade Health class led to a 4+ decade level of dedication to Emergency Medical Services. Gary spent his early years with Wilkins-Churchill Rescue One (now Woodland Hills EMS) working alongside great names like Doug Garretson and Andy Blenko, and many others who dedicated themselves to this new profession in the early 1970s.
Completing his EMT-2 Training in 1976 (there was no paramedic certification in PA at that time), Gary took his first full-time paying job with Penn Hills EMS living the good life at $7.07 per hour to start. In addition to working in the field, Gary spent a great deal of his time speaking with rotary clubs, schools, athletic leagues, and community groups preaching the values of prehospital care and the great things that can now be done in caring for those suddenly stricken ill or injured.
In 1982, Gary moved to the hospital side accepting a position as the EMS Coordinator for East Suburban and Columbia Hospitals of the Forbes Health System. Over the course of Gary’s 28-year career in hospital-based healthcare, he not only managed EMS but had stints with management and operations of different hospital departments including EMS, hospital security, patient transport and EMS communications and disaster response. During his time in healthcare, Gary also worked at Allegheny General in an EMS Outreach and Operations Director capacity with Life Flight. While working in healthcare full-time, Gary continued to work on a flex-basis with Plum EMS before stepping out of the field altogether in 2001.
Leaving healthcare in 2010, Gary moved to the reimbursement/financial side of EMS and traveled extensively, meeting and working with emergency medical services across the US discussing the challenging topic of reimbursement. Gary has served on multiple local, County and Regional Committees as well as played a role in one of the committees that contributed to PA’s first EMS Act. Having retired from full-time work in August of 2023, Gary continues to serve as a trustee for the PA EMS Provider Foundation; a role that he finds extremely rewarding in helping families of those lost in the line of duty. He still speaks locally as a proponent of emergency medical services for the group Citizens Concerned for EMS (CC4EMS) and continues to remain an EMS advocate wherever he goes.
Gary is known for his offbeat humor coupled with a deep and caring spirit especially, for those who have chosen to become part of this most worthy profession.
Knox is the leader of UPMC’s Department of Emergency Preparedness and works with more than 50 business unit Emergency Management Coordinators across a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, senior communities, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. In this role, he is responsible for developing and updating protocols,
providing education and training, and coordinating response activities across the UPMC health system of more than 95,000 employees across multiple states.
Knox was elected and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Healthcare Coalition Council of PA and the Healthcare Coalition for Southwestern PA. Knox continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the Allegheny County EMS Council, and Southeast Regional EMS. He is also a member of the Allegheny County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Knox previously served on the Allegheny County EMS Council HAZMAT Medical Response team and is the past Chair of the Allegheny County LEPC’s Medical and Health Committee. In addition, he spent almost 25 years as the Commander for the US DHHS National Disaster Medical System, Disaster Medical Assistance Team Pennsylvania 1 (DMAT PA-1) with a total of 30 years of federal service. Knox was inspired to pursue a career in EMS due to his involvement with a local Ski Patrol and later the National Ski Patrol (NSP). In 1987, NSP awarded Knox with one of their highest awards – a national appointment.
His expertise and experience are only dwarfed by his passion to serve our community and those in need. Knox began his career in public safety as an EMT, EMT-Paramedic (I and II) with Citizen’s Ambulance Service, served as a police officer, and volunteer firefighter, and in 2015 retired as the Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services for Allegheny County.
Bill has over 55 years as an educator and EMS Chief and has long been devoted to a career of learning and leadership.
During his professional life, Bill served as an educator in The Pittsburgh Public Schools, teaching and coordinating at all levels from Grades 1-12. He created and led a first-in-the-nation Career Development Pathways Program for aspiring paramedics, police officers and firefighters in cooperation with the City of Pittsburgh Public Safety Department.
He has been Instructor/Instructor Trainer for a variety of EMS Programs through the Community College of Allegheny County and Center for Emergency Medicine of Western PA and participated in the development, training, equipment acquisition and leadership response of a countywide Mass Casualty Plan for Allegheny County.
Bill has now retired as Chief of Baldwin EMS following 30 years of leadership and has served on several boards and associations in various roles at the local, county, region and state level.
Bill is proudly part of a family dedicated to community and public service.
Todd Pritchard's remarkable journey in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) commenced in 1985 when he volunteered at Medical Rescue Team South (MRTSA), igniting an unwavering commitment to saving lives. His dedication to the field led him to pursue formal education, including attending the EMT class at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), laying a solid foundation for his career.
Building upon his foundational knowledge, Todd further honed his skills by attending paramedic classes at the Center for Emergency Medicine. His commitment to excellence was evident as he completed Paramedic 1 in 1986 and Paramedic 2 in 1987, showcasing his determination to provide top-notch emergency medical care.
In 1987, Todd's expertise and dedication were recognized as he transitioned to a full-time role as a staff paramedic at MRTSA. Over the years, his exemplary performance led to successive promotions, culminating in his appointment as Executive Director in 2007, a position he held until his retirement in 2019. Todd's leadership extended beyond MRTSA, as he served on the Allegheny County EMS Council Board of Directors and chaired the Allegheny County EMS Chief Association, leaving a lasting impact on the EMS community. Additionally, Todd's commitment to education was evident through his role as an EMT Instructor, ensuring the next generation of EMS professionals were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to save lives.
Tom Izydore started as an ambulance driver in 1969. As were many ambulance services, it was based out of a funeral home. His training started with the PA ambulance attendance certificate and continued with EMT, EMT 2, and paramedic training out of Columbia Hospital under Dr. Allen Schattner. He has been associated with private (co-owner of Allegheny Ambulance), fire-based volunteer, and community EMS via Plum EMS where he was on the crew for their first request for service with Jim Palafoutas, now with AHN LifeFlight.
During his 50-plus years in EMS, he has been a member, or in a leadership role, with multiple EMS organizations, served as an EMS educator and is a strong advocate for EMS.
Although he is “retired”, he currently is President of the board of directors of Plum EMS.
Bob is a willing participant in the world of “Compassion amongst Chaos!”
Bob’s first experience in EMS began when a friend asked him to attend EMT classes. Unsure of what that entailed, His instructor stated, “You’ll either get out fast, or it will be in your blood forever.” Little did he expect it to be a passion for over 45 years of his life!
Bob received EMT certification in 1978, and joined Wilkinsburg EMS, received Paramedic certification in 1983. He held numerous positions within service as field supervisor, President of the board, and Director of Operations. He was involved in the merger of 4 services to form Eastern Area Prehospital Services in 1988.
Bob worked part-time at Allegheny Ambulance as a paramedic from 1983 through 1992.
Bob was instrumental in 1990 with the formation of Plum EMS, working with Mayor Al Franci and council members to ensure a paid full-time service for the community of Plum.
Plum EMS’ first shift was March 17, 1991, staffed by Bob and Greg Sahene. For over 33 years, Bob was an active board member and also served as the Deputy Director for the organization. Bob retired from his organizational post in October 2015 but remains serving on Plum EMS board as Vice President.
Bob has been fulfilled working with so many dedicated people who have the same passion, sharing their gift of medicine, and compassion for our communities and residents in need of help.
Ron Romano’s 48-year EMS career started in 1975 when I was hired by Perman Ambulance Service in Pittsburgh after completing EMT training at the Allegheny Fire Academy.
He completed Paramedic Training at Columbia Hospital in 1977 and was sworn in as a City of Pittsburgh Paramedic in 1978. Ron worked his way through the ranks of the department, being promoted to Crew Chief in 1980 and District Chief in 1988.
Ron Romano’s 48-year EMS career started in 1975 when I was hired by Perman Ambulance Service in Pittsburgh after completing EMT training at the Allegheny Fire Academy.
He completed Paramedic Training at Columbia Hospital in 1977 and was sworn in as a City of Pittsburgh Paramedic in 1978. Ron worked his way through the ranks of the department, being promoted to Crew Chief in 1980 and District Chief in 1988.
During his time as District Chief, he managed all events at Three Rivers Stadium, and later Heinz Field. In 2005, Ron was promoted to Ambulance Division Chief, where part of his duties included managing EMS’s participation in all City of Pittsburgh special events.
In 2016, Ron was promoted to Deputy Chief and in 2018, he was appointed Chief of EMS, a position I held until his retirement in 2023.
Chief Romano enjoys spending his retirement with his wife Lucy of 43 years and his three children and six grandchildren.
Doug Garretson started his EMS journey in 1971, joining the Churchill Volunteer Fire Company at the age of 17. The following year he joined Wilkins-Churchill Rescue One and responded to his first EMS call on his 18th birthday, holding certification from the American Red Cross in Advanced First Aid and AHA CPR. He obtained his National Registry EMT certification in June 1973.
While studying Chemistry at Duke University, Doug engaged with the career fire department of the City of Durham, where he was granted permission to work as a volunteer assigned to Rescue 11, a multi-capable unit that provided EMS QRS, rescue services and fire response. Doug served over 2000 hours with the DFD.
In 1975, Doug began his career as a Paramedic with the City of Pittsburgh EMS. Serving in numerous positions over the course of 29+ years, he was appointed Chief in 2003. During his Pittsburgh experience, he served in the mid-1980s as Director of the Public Safety Training Academy overseeing EMS, Police and Fire training. Doug held numerous instructor certifications and presented at conferences locally, regionally and nationally.
In the fall of 2004, Doug accepted a position with STAT MedEvac in the newly created role of Senior Director of Operations. In the months that followed, Doug would be appointed President/CEO of the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, Inc., a world-renowned, multi-disciplinary organization leading the industry in education, research, MIH and critical care transport. “It was an honor and privilege to work with and in support of some of the world's leading experts in EMS.”
Retired in the fall of 2020, Doug still holds NRP certification and continues to be active as Chair of the Pennsylvania EMS Provider Foundation and with other organizations advocating for EMS. In retirement he enjoys family, cycling, hiking, kayaking and flying.
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