Metcalf Recognized with EMS Achievement Award

Fire Chief William R. Metcalf of North County Fire Protection District in Fallbrook, Calif. has been named the 2012 recipient of the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award. The annual award is presented to a leader who has made a positive impact on a national scale, creating and promoting non-clinical innovation and achievements in fire service EMS management.

Metcalf is a 38-year veteran of the fire service with deep roots in the EMS community. Early on, he earned his associate’s degree in paramedic sciences which laid the foundation for a career championing innovation and progressive change in fire-based EMS. It is a passion he has continued to cultivate and share with others as he progressed up the ranks and furthered his education to the post-graduate level.

“Chief Metcalf’s contributions to fire-based EMS on a national level are certainly noteworthy and more than qualifies him for this prestigious award,” said Chief Gary Ludwig, Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ EMS Section which presents the annual award. “We are truly honored to have him recognized for all his efforts to advance the fire-based EMS profession.”

Ludwig, along with award sponsors Physio-Control, presented the award to Metcalf at the general session of this week’s Fire-Rescue Med, a leading, national educational forum for fire-based EMS officials hosted by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC).

Metcalf joins an impressive cadre of EMS notables who are previous James O. Page Award winners. The award seeks to honor those who demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication toward fire-based EMS, professionalism and vision, a desire for achievement, a drive for excellence, and exemplary performance and leadership.

A member of the IAFC since 1995, Chief Metcalf has led national initiatives related to strengthen fire service capabilities in EMS, mutual aid, and homeland security. He currently is the second vice president of the IAFC and serves on the board of directors for the International Fire Service Research Center and Policy Institute as treasurer. Chief Metcalf has a bachelor’s degree in management, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. He is also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program and the Naval Postgraduate School’s Executive Leadership Program.  He is a frequent author and speaker on fire service leadership issues, including those related to fire-based EMS.

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