KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The Cheshire County Commissioners have announced the next chief of Cheshire EMS.

Charles “Chad” McMurrer has served as interim chief since March 1, 2024 and assumed the role permanently on June 1st.

“Chief McMurrer has served with distinction as a nationally registered paramedic, assistant chief, and as interim chief,” County Commission Chair Jack Wozmack said in a news release. “The Commissioners having seen Chad in his roles with Cheshire County EMS since its inception, continue to be unanimous in their approval of Chad’s ability to lead Cheshire County EMS into the future.”

McMurrer was initially hired in November of 2022 as a charter member of Cheshire EMS and has served as a paramedic, shift captain, and assistant chief since that time. The release also notes McMurrer has 25 years of clinical experience in the pre-hospital and hospital environment in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and a wide range of EMS operational and supervisory experience.

““During his service as interim chief, Chad’s performance has clearly exemplified all of the qualities a County based EMS program requires,” County Administrator Chris Coates said. “He has met all the goals and expectations that were established for him, and I am excited by his progressive and thoughtful leadership of Cheshire County EMS.”

Chief McMurrer holds an Associate of Science degree in paramedic emergency medicine from New Hampshire Technical Institute and a Bachelor of Science in homeland security and emergency management from the University of New Hampshire. He’s also a veteran of the United Staes Marine Corps and an Eagle Scout.

As interim Chief, McMurrer advocated fortwo deputy chiefs to manage clinical services and operations to help fill some gaps. Deputy Chief of Clinical Services Mark Kreamer was appointed to his role in January, and Deputy Chief of Operations Ed Atkins was appointed in April.

“With both Mark and Ed in these roles, I am confident in the deputies’ abilities to move CCEMS forward both clinically and with the surrounding departments through increased collaboration and
communication,” McMurrer said.