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Madison County names Gavin Helme as EMS chief and appoints him to regional EMS council
Summary
Gavin Helme began serving as Madison County EMS Chief on May 21, 2026; the Board congratulated him and appointed him as the County's voting member to the Rivanna-Rappahannock EMS Council to serve an unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2029.
Madison County announced leadership changes in emergency medical services at its May 26 Board of Supervisors meeting, introducing Gavin Helme as the new EMS Chief and appointing him to a regional advisory council.
County Administrator Jonathon Weakley summarized the hiring process and said nine applicants were considered before the Board conducted final interviews. Weakley announced that Mr. Gavin Helme officially began serving as Madison County EMS Chief on May 21, 2026. Chief Helme addressed the Board and described the department's near-term priorities, including posting a Deputy Chief position, implementing blood programs, and pursuing procedural enhancements intended to balance operational needs with fiscal responsibility.
Following that announcement, the Board appointed Chief Helme as Madison County's voting member on the Rivanna-Rappahannock EMS Council Advisory Committee to complete an unexpired term ending December 31, 2029. County staff clarified that the Council charter identifies only one voting member per county and that other county representatives may participate in a non-voting capacity. The motion to appoint Helme carried unanimously.
Why it matters
The new chief's stated priorities — staffing adjustments, clinical program implementation and procedural updates — could affect response protocols and department operations. The county's appointment of its chief as the voting representative on the regional EMS council centralizes operational and policy coordination with neighboring jurisdictions.
Next steps
County staff said the Deputy Chief position was posted the same day, and they will notify the Rivanna-Rappahannock EMS Council of Madison County's updated voting representative.
