City Manager Patrick Duhaney Selects New EMS Chief for City of Virginia Beach

Following a nationwide search, Virginia Beach City Manager Patrick Duhaney has appointed Jason Stroud as the next Chief of Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services (VBEMS). Stroud returns to Virginia Beach, where he previously served in VBEMS for seven years as a career paramedic, instruction supervisor, division chief and deputy chief. He is also a former volunteer with VBEMS, who donated his time and talents as a member of the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad between 1998 and 2006.

Stroud left VBEMS in 2018 to serve as the assistant city administrator for the City of River Falls, Wisconsin, where he oversaw daily city operations, Human Resources, Public Works, Public Utilities and Fire, with oversight of the EMS contract. In addition, worked directly with the mayor, city council, Housing Authority and Public Arts Committee, and managed the city's operational response to COVID, which included establishing an initial incident command structure, response guidelines and long-term operations.

"I feel confident that Jason's previous top-notch training and experience with the City of Virginia Beach, coupled with his recent leadership role in Wisconsin, makes him the perfect person to lead our EMS Department and collaborate with our dedicated rescue squad volunteer partners," said City Manager Duhaney.

Jason Stroud

Stroud has served in emergency medical-related positions for more than 20 years. He is a certified public manager and a nationally registered paramedic. Stroud has a master's degree in public policy from Liberty University and a graduate certificate in public administration. His role as director is effective Aug. 24, 2023.

About Virginia Beach EMS

VBEMS is an award-winning third-service EMS agency in the country, answering more than 53,000 calls for service annually. VBEMS is a 2022 American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Gold Plus EMS Agency and was the first ground transport agency in Hampton Roads to begin offering whole blood treatments in the field. VBEMS is a combined career and volunteer agency, supported by the volunteer rescue squads of Virginia Beach, Rescue Council and the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation.