Amera Gilchrist sworn in as Pittsburgh's 1st Black female EMS chief
Amera Gilchrist was sworn in Friday as the city’s first Black female EMS chief.
Gilchrist, 49, has served on the city’s Bureau of EMS for nearly 24 years. She assumed the role of acting chief when former EMS Chief Ronald Romano retired. After 45 years of service, Romano’s last day in uniform was March 31.
Gilchrist in 2019 became the first woman and minority to become a deputy chief within the bureau.
“I’m the first chief in the history of Pittsburgh EMS to wear a skirt,” Gilchrist said.
Gilchrist credited her family and her role models in EMS for helping her to rise through the ranks in Pittsburgh’s EMS bureau.
“I never thought I’d be in this position to lead an entire bureau, to be considered a city leader, but here I am, flaws and all,” she said.
She was born and raised on Pittsburgh’s North Side and graduated from Pittsburgh Public Schools and Robert Morris University. She is continuing her studies at Point Park University.
City Council last month unanimously confirmed her appointment as EMS chief within a week of Mayor Ed Gainey nominating her.
“I am a servant of the public,” Gilchrist said. “I have always taken that role seriously.”
Gainey said members of the Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS respect Gilchrist, and he’s never heard any of them speak badly about her.
“It speaks volumes of the character that Chief Gilchrist carries,” the mayor said.
Romano said he felt Gilchrist was ready to take on the role after working with her closely while she served as deputy chief.
“We made some good decisions, and we made some hard decisions getting through some problems, getting through budgets, getting through the pandemic together,” he said. “She’s prepared. She’s ready.”
Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt said Gilchrist was someone who “cares for EMS, her coworkers, the bureau and EMS in the region.”
“Her passion and desire to learn and grow shines through every day,” he said.
Related:
• Amera Gilchrist nominated to be Pittsburgh's next EMS chief
• Amera Gilchrist confirmed as Pittsburgh's EMS chief, becomes 1st Black woman to hold role
• Outgoing Pittsburgh EMS chief reflects on 45-year tenure with city
Julia Felton is a TribLive reporter covering Pittsburgh City Hall and other news in and around Pittsburgh. A La Roche University graduate, she joined the Trib in 2020. She can be reached at jfelton@triblive.com.
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