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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County is pleased to introduce Chris Watts as the new EMS Chief starting Monday, Aug. 19. Chief Watts joins EMS with over 13 years of emergency medical service experience.
As EMS Chief, Chief Watts' duties will include managing the annual EMS budget, developing goals and objectives for EMS, planning and conducting research, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, and complying with regulations, codes and standards.
Chief Watts joins Escambia County EMS with years of leadership and management experience, previously serving as the Operations Manager with Medstar Ambulance in Clinton Township, Michigan. In that role, he oversaw service across 13 counties across the Southwest-Central Michigan region, including the city of Detroit. As the Operations Manager, Chief Watts oversaw nearly 1,000 employees and managed a budget of over $10 million.
Following his time in Michigan, Chief Watts moved to Alabama to serve as a Flight Paramedic and Base Lead with Air Methods in 2022 and as a paramedic with Newman's Ambulance in Mobile in 2023. In addition, Watts served as a relief paramedic with Escambia County EMS.
"I am excited to serve as the new EMS Chief for Escambia County EMS," Chief Watts said. "I am eager to explore the many opportunities to work with the EMS and Public Safety teams to continue to provide exceptional service to the citizens and visitors of Escambia County. We are prepared to meet the challenges and expectations that will arise for our team. This is an exceptional team of individuals who have dedicated a great deal of time and energy to our community, and I am excited to continue with this team in a leadership role."
Chief Watts earned his Bachelor of Arts from Wayne State University and will graduate in December with his Master of Business Administration. He has earned numerous certifications, including Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Burn Life Support. Additionally, Chief Watts holds a Paramedic License in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Mississippi. He's also a Nationally Certified Paramedic through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
"I'm pleased to welcome Chris Watts as the next chief of Escambia County EMS," said Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. "His years of leadership experience, proven success and familiarity with Escambia County made the decision to hire Chris an easy one. We're eager to watch him thrive in his role and continue to advance EMS to new heights."
For more information about Escambia County EMS, visit the MyEscambia website.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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