New Chief Medical Officer Begins Work Overseeing Vernon’s Emergency Medical Service
Katie McGray began work Monday (2/6/2023) as Vernon’s Chief Medical Officer. In that role, she will oversee the Town of Vernon Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services Division.
McGray brings to the position a decade of experience, including front line work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic, as a leader and as a trainer. She also assisted in the creation of a critical incident stress management team for first responders.
Katie McGray, Vernon's new Chief Medical Officer.
“Katie’s diverse experience in EMS made her a top candidate for the position and we welcome her to the Town of Vernon,” Mayor Dan Champagne said.
McGray joined American Medical Response in 2012 and since 2020 has worked as a paramedic field training officer. In that role she assisted, trained and supervised numerous EMTs and paramedics. She is also certified in critical incident stress management.
“Katie is the Town of Vernon’s first ever chief medical officer and this new role is part of our master plan for enhancing EMS services for residents and our mutual aid partners,” Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “She is part of a high-performance team of public safety professionals and will work closely with our new Fire Administrator, the chief-level officers of the Vernon Fire and Police departments on our comprehensive EMS services.”
In 2022, the Town of Vernon enhanced the EMS Division by hiring eight fulltime EMTs to staff the busiest shifts and purchased new ambulances. McGray oversees more than 30 EMTs in the EMS Division.
In this leadership role, she will also work across multiple town departments, including the Vernon Public Schools, and with community groups to enhance health and wellness.