Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services Chief Edward M. Brazle to Retire

​After 26 years of dedicated public service, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief Edward M. Brazle has announced his plans to retire at the end of this year.

Chief Brazle joined Virginia Beach EMS as a volunteer with the Kempsville Volunteer Rescue Squad in 1990 while on active duty as a naval officer. He served in several positions in the squad, including Captain and President. After leaving the Navy in 1996, he was hired as the Regulation and Enforcement Coordinator, later advancing to the Division Chief level. He completed tours as Chief of the Operations, Support Services, and Administration Divisions. Prior to being appointed as Chief of the Department of EMS in June of 2016, he held a leading role in initiatives including the creation of the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program, integration of career and volunteer medics, deployment of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on police cars, advanced life support (ALS) capability on fire engines, new station construction, and the Air Medical Program. He was named to the City of Virginia Beach Employee Hall of Fame in 2013.

"I am very appreciative to Chief Brazle for his service to the City of Virginia Beach during an exceptional time for EMS and our greater coastal city, from the opening of new headquarters and training facility to the 'Vaccinate VB' initiative that helped our residents fight COVID-19," said City Manager Patrick Duhaney. "I wish him well in the future."

Acting Deputy Chief Bruce Nedelka has been appointed Interim Chief and will oversee the operations of EMS during this time. As a recipient of the Tidewater EMS (TEMS) Council's R.C. Dailey Award for Excellence in EMS, Nedelka has significant leadership experience in EMS administration, regulation enforcement, training, recruitment, and media relations.

Over the next few months, City Manager Duhaney will lead a national search to fill this position.