New chief of paramedic services named for Waterloo region
John Riches prepared to address health-care system's 'many challenges'
The Region of Waterloo has announced a new chief of paramedic services.
John Riches has served as the deputy chief of paramedic services in Durham region and has more than 25 years experience, the region said in a news release announcing the appointment on Tuesday.
Riches has "significant leadership experience in the areas of 911 response operations, community paramedicine and health outreach programs," the region said.
He has also worked as an instructor in the paramedic program at Durham College and as a facilitator for the Central East Prehospital Care Program through Lakeridge Health in Oshawa where he was involved in curriculum development and course delivery.
Riches will start the job on Jan. 30 and said in the news release that he's "very humbled" to serve the community and is looking forward to collaborating with members of the paramedic services team "to address the many challenges impacting the health-care system."
Riches replaces Stephen Van Valkenburg, who retired at the end of August.
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the region's medical officer of health, said that the region is "looking forward to his leadership" and thanked deputy chiefs Kevin Petendra, Jim Topham and Rob Crossan for their work to support the team since Van Valkenburg's retirement.