Mayor Jon Mitchell appoints Michael Thomas to EMS Director

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – Mayor Jon Mitchell has appointed Michael Thomas, Assistant Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Director, to Director of EMS.

Thomas has been Assistance Director since May 2019. Thomas credited his colleagues and said he’s ready to keep the department moving forward.

“Mark McGraw ably led EMS for more than a decade,” Mayor Mitchell said. “His leadership shined during the pandemic, when his department was called upon to serve as the City’s front line of response to an unprecedented public health crisis. Under his leadership, the EMS Department saved numerous lives, while keeping its own members nearly free of COVID-19.”

“Mike is a skilled and experienced medical professional who has a comprehensive understanding of the City’s EMS and is widely respected inside and outside of the department,” Mayor Mitchell said. “He is ready to lead the department as the City emerges from the pandemic.”

“I am extremely humbled to begin this new role as director, and I look forward to working with a great a team of EMS personnel who are dedicated to serving the citizens of New Bedford,” he said.