New Chief, Assistant Chief Appointed For Stamford EMS

STAMFORD, CT — Effective Feb. 26, there will be new leadership atop Stamford Emergency Medical Services (SEMS).

Edward Browne, who has been with the department since 1992, will move from his role as assistant chief to chief, taking over for Patricia Squires who is retiring after 20 years as the leader of SEMS.

Edward Podgorski, who has also been with SEMS since 1992, will be elevated from deputy chief to assistant chief.

Browne has held several positions since 1992, and has been assistant chief for the last two decades.

He 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 lives in New Rochelle, N.Y. with his wife Laura.

Browne told Patch he's "very excited" to take on a new role. He praised Squires for her service over the years.

"I've been here a long time, but at the same time I definitely have some big shoes to fill," Browne said. "[Patricia] definitely raised a level of professionalism in the organization. She's going to be a tough act to follow."

During Squires' tenure, the population and demand for emergency care in Stamford grew dramatically. Browne noted that when SEMS was formed in 1992, the department responded to about 10,000 calls per year. Now, that number is up near 16,000.

Squires helped encourage staff members to further their education, and she led the accreditation process for the department.

"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 20-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Service," said Marc J. Kurzman in a news release last week. "The very high level of emergency medical services Stamford EMS provides to theStamford 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."

Browne will step into his new role during a time of improving COVID-19 case numbers. He said the last two years have been stressful, and hopefully there's some light at the end of the tunnel in the pandemic.

"The demands on our staff have been overwhelming at times. They have performed so admirably. I'm so proud of our staff, the way they've performed over the last two years and the way they continue to perform," Browne said.

As chief, Browne will oversee the department's operations, from the paramedic ambulance services to the business side of things with budgeting and HR, and collaborating with other chiefs in other agencies.

Browne said he's looking forward to working side-by-side with Podgorski. The two have worked together for over 30 years, going back to their days in Westchester before coming to Stamford.

"I wouldn't be able to do this without him," Browne said. "It's fantastic. It really is. We've worked together for a long time. I have complete trust and faith in him, and I'm sure he's going to do a fantastic job. I'm looking forward to this."

Podgorski has served as a paramedic, operations manager, and most recently, as deputy chief since 1996. Podgorski lives in Brewster, N.Y. with his wife 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," Podgorski said in a news release.

Browne echoed those sentiments.

"The support from the community has been fantastic. We have a really good relationship with our city partners," Browne said. "The community supports us through donations every year. We are a nonprofit, so we do fundraising to buy capital equipment. The ongoing support from the community has always been very wonderful."

To learn more about Stamford EMS, or to donate, visit their website or call 203-968-1118.