Sara Johnston gets nod as new paramedic chief

Today Ron Taylor, CAO of Kawartha Lakes, announced the appointment of Sara Johnston, currently Deputy Chief of Paramedics, to the role of Chief, effective January 2, 2022.

“A competitive recruitment process led to Johnston’s appointment, and I’m pleased to welcome Chief Johnston to the senior leadership role within our Paramedics Service.”

Current Chief, Randy Mellow, will return to full time Chief of Peterborough Paramedics at year end, after having served as shared Chief of the two services over the last two years.

“Sara brings a wealth of experience and knowledge having progressed successfully through a series of frontline and leadership roles with the Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service. Her commitment, expertise and progressive leadership style will serve as great assets to our Service,” noted Chief Mellow.

Johnston has served with Kawartha Lakes Paramedics for 20 years, holding positions of Primary Care Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic, Commander and most recently, Deputy Chief.

A life long resident of Kawartha Lakes, Johnston shared, “I want to thank Chief Mellow for his dedication and leadership. I’m incredibly proud of this team and honoured to have the opportunity to serve as Chief. I live here, I started my career here and am passionate about the delivery of exceptional patient care for this community.” 

Johnston was instrumental in launching the successful Kawartha Lakes’ Community Paramedicine program. She commented, “Paramedics are uniquely positioned and have the skills to care for people in many settings. I’m looking forward to continuing our work on Community Paramedicine and other programs that care for people at home and avoid going to hospital where possible.”

Johnston becomes the ninth female Paramedic Chief in Ontario.