04/24/2026
We look forward to continue working alongside our brothers and sisters at City of Chester Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1400. Congratulations to VMSC Emergency Medical Services for this achievement!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2026
Chester, PA
City of Chester Approves Five-Year EMS Agreement with VMSC, Securing Reliable Emergency Medical Services for Residents
The City of Chester and VMSC Emergency Medical Services (VMSC EMS) are proud to announce the approval of a new five-year agreement, valued at $2.8 million, to provide continued emergency medical services to the residents of Chester. This agreement reinforces long-term stability, dependable response, and high-quality prehospital care throughout the city.
Approved by Chester City Council through Resolution No. 53-2026, the agreement formalizes VMSC’s role as the City’s EMS provider following its initial deployment on May 2, 2025. VMSC stepped in to ensure uninterrupted emergency medical coverage after the closure of Crozer Medical Center, maintaining consistent ambulance transportation and critical prehospital care for the community.
The new five-year term secures that continuity and strengthens the City’s emergency response infrastructure for residents, visitors, businesses, and community partners.
Mayor Stefan Roots emphasized the importance of the agreement in maintaining essential services and building long-term resilience:
“This agreement is about stability, reliability, and protecting the health and safety of our residents,” said Mayor Stefan Roots. “When our community faced uncertainty in emergency medical services, VMSC stepped in and delivered. Today, we are building on that partnership to ensure that every resident can count on timely, professional, and high-quality care when they need it most. This is a critical investment in public safety and in the overall wellbeing of our city.”
This partnership represents more than emergency response coverage; it is an investment in community confidence, dependable care, and the long-term wellbeing of Chester’s neighborhoods.
VMSC EMS CEO Shane Wheeler underscored the organization’s commitment to the community:
“This agreement provides certainty for the residents of Chester during a period of uncertainty in healthcare. We are honored to continue serving the city and remain committed to delivering reliable, high-quality emergency medical services with the professionalism, compassion, and readiness this community deserves,” said Shane Wheeler, MBA, CEMSO, FP-C, CP-C, Chief Executive Officer, VMSC EMS.
Since entering the Chester community, VMSC has worked to build a strong operational presence while ensuring continuity of care during a critical time for regional healthcare and emergency services. The organization remains committed to investing in personnel, equipment, readiness, and partnerships that benefit the city long-term.
This agreement marks an important step forward for Chester, providing assurance that EMS coverage will remain strong, responsive, and community-focused for years to come.
Media Contacts
City of Chester
Adriene Irving,
Communications Specialist
1 Fourth St.
Chester, PA 19013
484.609.5077
[email protected]
VMSC Emergency Medical Services
Regina Vinnytska
Digital Media, Grants & Community Relations
175 Medical Campus Dr.
Lansdale, PA 19446
267.336.2313
[email protected]
