As proclaimed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, November 17-21, is Virginia Crash Responder Safety Week. The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH), Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) recognizes the importance of this nationwide initiative to emphasize the critical work of emergency responders and the dangerous conditions they face while responding to roadway incidents.  

During a recognition event hosted on behalf of the Governor’s Office, a state proclamation was presented by the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Marcus Anderson and the Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth Jenna Moon in observance of this special week. This proclamation underscores the critical importance of planned and coordinated efforts to detect, respond to, and clear traffic crashes so that traffic flow may be restored as safely and quickly as possible.

Also in attendance at this proclamation event were the following VDH staff and EMS stakeholders: State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD; VDH Chief Operating Officer Christopher Lindsay; Virginia Office of EMS Director Maria Beermann-Foat, PhD; Deputy Director of EMS Operations Wayne Perry; Emergency Services Coordinator Sam Burnette; PSAP Specialist and EMD Accreditation Coordinator Amber Moore; State EMS Advisory Board Chair Kevin Dillard; Executive Director of Old Dominion EMS Alliance (ODEMSA) Heidi Hooker and ODEMSA Deputy Director Ryan Scarbrough.

• Read the news release
• Read the Governor’s proclamation
• Learn more about Crash Responder Safety Week

The Virginia Office of EMS (OEMS) is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Wayne Perry, MEd, BS, NRP as Deputy Director of EMS Operations. Mr. Perry brings more than 29 years of progressive leadership experience in EMS and public health operations, including over 15 years of service as a leader within Virginia’s Regional EMS Council system. His career spans roles as a flight paramedic, training coordinator and business manager, along with extensive service as a regional, state and national liaison to organizations such as the Board of Supervisors, the State EMS Advisory Board, the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS) and the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC). His service across this professional spectrum has given him a deep understanding of the many perspectives and challenges that shape EMS.

A proven innovator, Mr. Perry has led the design and implementation of award-winning public health outreach initiatives, including the Community Outreach Patient Engagement (COPE) program, Statewide Anatomage Tournaments, StrokeSmart Fredericksburg and Virginia HEARTSafe.

His expertise in organizational change, crisis continuity planning and collaborative governance reflects the forward-looking leadership needed to guide Virginia’s EMS System into the future.

Working under the leadership of the Virginia Office of EMS Director, Dr. Maria Beermann-Foat, and alongside the Deputy Director of Professional Standards and Accountability and the Business Operations Manager, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of EMS development across the Commonwealth. As the Deputy Director of EMS Operations, Mr. Perry will oversee the System Optimization Division, the Emergency Operations Division and the Regional EMS Council Coordinators/Division, ensuring coordination and innovation across these vital areas.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Perry on this well-earned promotion and welcoming his leadership in this new role that is set to begin on September 25, 2025.

The National EMS Memorial Service recently honored 29 courageous EMS providers from across the nation who died in the line of duty while serving their community. Leadership and staff from the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) attended this ceremony to pay tribute to those who dedicated their life to service, including Virginia honoree Randolph Breton, Clinical Education Manager with AMR Physicians Transport Services. 

VDH Chief Operating Officer Christopher Lindsay led the pledge of allegiance, and was joined by State EMS Advisory Board Chair and Founder of the National EMS Memorial Service Kevin Dillard, who lit the memorial candle. Additional OEMS staff in attendance included: OEMS Director Dr. Maria Beermann-Foat, EMS-C Project Director and EMS Systems Funding Michael Berg, Director of System Optimization and Central Shenandoah EMS Council Regional Director Daniel Linkins and Division Director of Emergency Operations and Rappahannock EMS Council Regional Director Wayne Perry.

The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride is also hosted in collaboration with this special weekend of honor. The riders visited the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad, in the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System council region, where they were welcomed with a special lunch and recognition ceremony for the honorees. The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride’s mission is to honor EMS personnel by organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties and those who have died in the line of duty. Learn more at: www.nemsmbr.org.

The National EMS Memorial Service commemorates the ongoing commitment, service and sacrifice of the nation’s EMS providers killed, injured or disabled in the line of duty, and honors all who continue to serve. Learn more at: National EMS Memorial Service.

   

    

    

Plan to attend the National EMS Memorial Service, Saturday, July 19, at 5 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Va.  The National EMS Memorial Service will honor EMS and air medical providers who died in the line of duty. The event will also be live-streamed (a live-stream link will be posted here.)

In addition to the National EMS Memorial Service, there is also a special weekend of events scheduled – the 2025 National EMS Weekend of Honor, July 18-20. Learn more about the event details, honoree biographies, a schedule of events, hotel information and more at: 2025 National EMS Weekend of Honor Event Site.

• View a listing of National EMS Memorial Service Honorees recognized this year.
• Download a copy of the 33rd Annual National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Service program.
• Learn more about the background of the National EMS Memorial Service.