Chief Michael Metro, Ret., was named the 2021 recipient of the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award.
Chief Michael Metro, Ret., was named the 2021 recipient of the James O. Page EMS Achievement Award. The annual award is presented to a leader who has made a positive impact on a national scale, creating, and promoting non-clinical innovation and achievements in fire service EMS management.
Throughout his distinguished and tenured career, Chief Deputy Michael Metro has been dedicated to the advancement and growth of emergency medical services (EMS). Chief Metro began his career with the El Cajon (California) Fire Department and five years later joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 1980. He served in several capacities including managing all EMS, homeland security planning, the fire department’s aerial resources, and ultimately overseeing emergency services delivered from 170 fire stations to more than 4.5 million residents across 58 cities.
Beyond Chief Metro’s service to the residents of El Cajon and Los Angeles County, he helped the EMS industry grow through his contributions in revising the State of California’s Code of Regulations for EMS service delivery, assisting in the effort to establish the California Association of Fire Chiefs’ EMS Leadership Academy, drafted innovative EMS financing models such as the ALS Passthrough which generated significant reimbursements for California fire departments, and with the assistance of AMR, developed ambulance strike teams on September 11, 2001. This model was adopted nationwide to prepare for major terrorist incidents.
Chief Metro has been a long-standing member of the IAFC and served for 14 years on the IAFC EMS Section Board of Directors. During Chief Metro’s tenure with the IAFC, he led many significant projects, including chairing the IAFC Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Task Force, serving on the IAFC EMS Reimbursement Task Force, advising the IAFC on-air medical issues, and most recently assisting the IAFC manage its response operations during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Chief Metro has received many fire service and EMS-related honors including a Distinguished Service Award from the California State EMS Authority, the Howard W. Rayon Distinguished Service Award from the California Fire Services Training Institute, the IAFC EMS Section Meritorious Service Award, and the IAFC President’s Award for Outstanding Service.
“EMS and the fire service have benefitted tremendously from the many contributions Chief Metro has made,” said Chief Mike McEvoy, EMS Section chair. “I am personally honored and humbled to have worked with him throughout his career and to call him a friend.”
Chief McEvoy presented the award to Chief Metro at Fire-Rescue Med, a leading, national educational forum for fire-based EMS leaders hosted by the IAFC.
Chief Metro joins an impressive cadre of previous James O. Page Award winners, all of whom demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication toward fire-based EMS, professionalism and vision, a desire for achievement, a drive for excellence, and exemplary performance and leadership.
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC): The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials incidents, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders. Learn more.