10/23/2026
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services held a swearing-in and promotions ceremony in Council Chambers this morning.
EMS Chief Amera Gilchrist credited the inductees as the driving force behind the Bureau's continued growth and success.
“To all being honored today: you represent the very best of who we are and who we are becoming,” Gilchrist said. “Your dedication, perseverance, and courage have carried you to this moment, and your service will carry this bureau forward.”
Speaking to the promotees, Acting Public Safety Director Takeena White added, “I encourage you to remember that every interaction matters. A simple act of kindness, a moment of patience, or a word of support in the midst of someone’s worst day goes a long way.”
The ceremony concluded with Mayor Corey O'Connor administering the Oath of Office.
Mayor O’Connor swore in Michael Schutte as an Emergency Medical Technician, alongside new Paramedics Seth Stowe, Kyle Lizanich, Hannah Glaser, David Diederich, Isaac Elias, Adam Goldsboro, Madeline Gavatorta, Katrina Haas, and Audrey Aronis.
Emergency Medical Technicians Richard Montgomery, Anicet Mundundu, Michelle Salisbury, Abby Gwynn, and Aniya Jackson were promoted to Paramedics.
Crew Chiefs Fred Caprio and Christy Zalewski were promoted to the rank of District Chief.
Congratulations to all and thank you for your service!
Special note: Three of the five EMTs promoted to Paramedic are graduates of the Pittsburgh EMS Freedom House EMT Academy. Promoted alongside them are the two Crew Chief Training Officers who originally instructed the academy. They will now serve alongside their former students as EMS District Chiefs.