KEENE, NH – Cheshire County Emergency Medical Services has named a new interim chief.

Effective today Assistant Chief Chad McMurrer has stepped into the interim position. In a news release County Administrator Chris Coates said McMurrer has demonstrated his ability to perform effectively as a member of the county’s senior leadership team, and he’s been mentored by current interim Chief Chris Olson and other members of the Municipal Resources team.

The mentoring process is expected to continue over the next few months, and Coates anticipates McMurrer will assume the role of permanent chief on June 1st.

“The commissioners continue to be impressed with Chad’s work ethic, his professionalism, and his commitment to the highest quality patient care,” said County Commissioner Jack Wozmak. “It is a credit to the entire CCEMS organization that we have been able to develop a highly skilled and effective leadership team from within our ranks.”

McMurrer was originally hired in November 2022 as a charter member of CCEMS and has served in various positions, including as a paramedic, shift captain, and assistant chief, and he has over 20 years of clinical experience, with an Associate of Science degree in paramedic emergency medicine from NH Technical Institute, and a Bachelor of Science degree in homeland security and emergency management from the University of New Hampshire. He is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and an Eagle Scout.

As Chief, McMurrer will work on strengthening the relationship and operational capabilities between Cheshire EMS and the communities that it serves, with goals of improving patient care, coordinating interagency emergency responses, and resolving challenges as they arise.

With McMurrer’s promotion comes some minor organizational changes as well. The position of assistant chief is now classified as Deputy Chief of Field Operations, which will directly supervise shift captains and be responsible for overseeing a wide range of operational duties.