Stamford EMS Announces New Chief and Assistant Chief

Stamford EMS, Stamford’s non-profit provider of EMS services for nearly 30 years, announced today that Assistant Chief Edward Browne will be named the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Service, effective February 26, 2022. Chief Patricia Squires will retire after serving in the role for 20 years.

Browne has been a member of the Stamford EMS team since 1992, the same year the organization was formally established. In his three decades of service, Browne has held several positions, including paramedic, and served as Assistant Chief since 2002.

During his time at Stamford EMS, Browne has received a number of honors including the Chief of Service Medal. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management from the State University of New York and a Master’s in Business Administration from Iona College. Browne resides in New Rochelle, New York with his wife of 29 years, Laura.

“I am looking forward to the new role and continuing our organization’s collaboration with Stamford Health, Stamford’s public safety departments and the City’s leadership. Our primary goals will be continuing to ensure that our service is run professionally and to provide the highest level of care to the citizens of Stamford,” said Browne.

Browne succeeds Chief Patricia Squires, who led the organization since 2002. With a background as an emergency room nurse and then as an attorney with extensive experience in healthcare and regulatory law, Squires was well suited for the position.

During Squires’ tenure the population and demand for emergency care in Stamford grew dramatically; today Stamford EMS responds to nearly 16,000 emergency calls annually, up from 11,000 calls when she took the helm. Squires raised the level of professionalism of the organization, encouraging staff members to further their education, and leading Stamford EMS to accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). She is looking forward to enjoying many happy years of retirement with her husband of 45 years, Patrick.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Stamford EMS I would like to thank Chief Squires for all that she accomplished for the organization during her twenty-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Service. The very high level of emergency medical services Stamford EMS provides to the Stamford community is due in no small measure to Chief Squires’ tireless efforts on behalf of our organization.  We look forward to Chief Browne and his leadership team building upon Chief Squires’ accomplishments and opening a new phase in the continuing evolution of Stamford EMS,” said Marc J. Kurzman, Stamford EMS Board Chair.

Edward Podgorski will be promoted to Assistant Chief effective February 26. Podgorski has also worked at Stamford EMS since its formation in 1992, serving as a paramedic, Operations Manager, and most recently as Deputy Chief since 1996. Podgorski resides in Brewster, New York with his wife of 28 years, Debra.

“It is enjoyable to work in a place where you have the support of the community, the City and the Stamford Hospital. There are a lot of rewards in working for Stamford EMS,” said Podgorski.

To learn more about Stamford EMS, or to donate, please visit www.StamfordEMS.org or call (203) 968-1118.

Stamford Emergency Medical Services Inc. is a CAAS accredited EMS agency, responding to nearly 16,000 calls annually as a private, nonprofit organization.  Since 1992 Stamford EMS has remained clearly focused on its mission to provide high quality, compassionate emergency care and education to the communities it serves.