Greenwich EMS Mourns Death Of Founding Executive Director

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) is mourning the recent death of Charlee Tufts, its founding executive director and chief of service. She was 79 years old.

Tufts, who retired in 2017, played an integral role in establishing GEMS in 1986 and dedicated over 30 years of service to leading the organization "with unparalleled vision, compassion, and commitment to the community," GEMS said in a news release.

"Her determination to provide Greenwich with world-class emergency medical services revolutionized pre-hospital care and continues to benefit countless residents today," GEMS added. "Among her many achievements, GEMS became the first ambulance service in New England to implement 12-lead EKG capability in 1995, a groundbreaking advancement at the time. She also ensured Greenwich was the first community in the state to earn the HEARTSafe Designation, underscoring her dedication to public health and safety."

Tufts also played pivotal roles in numerous state committees and associations dedicated to enhancing EMS services across the region, GEMS said.

"Her expertise and passion set new standards for emergency care and served as an inspiration to countless EMTs and paramedics," GEMS noted.

GEMS Executive Director Tracy Schietinger called Tufts "a trailblazer and an inspiration to all of us."

"Her contributions to emergency medical services and to the Greenwich community are immeasurable," Schietinger said in a news release. "Charlee’s legacy lives on in the lives she saved, the organization she built, and the many people she inspired."

According to GEMS, Tufts was also a "beloved mentor, leader, and friend whose compassion extended far beyond her work. Her tireless advocacy for public health and safety remains a cornerstone of GEMS’ mission."

Tufts' family is planning a memorial service to celebrate her life and legacy in the coming months.

For more information on GEMS, click here.