TAYLOR LEONARD OFFICIALLY NAMED WASHINGTON CO. EMS DIRECTOR

  

Washington County EMS has its next director.

A week after introducing Taylor Leonard as the interim director, Washington County Commissioners today (Tuesday) formally approved his appointment to lead the department full-time.  Leonard succeeds Kevin Deramus, who accepted a new position as Region 8 Section Chief with the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Leonard said he aspires to keep progressing in the footsteps of Deramus and that he is ready to get rolling.

Leonard joined the EMS Department in 2013.  A release from the county said he has served in nearly every operational capacity with the department, including as an emergency medical technician, paramedic, special response technician rescue paramedic, senior aviation crew chief, and most recently district chief.  Leonard is also the longest-serving flight-qualified paramedic in the organization and played a foundational role in developing EMS’ air ambulance program, as well as the early development of the external cargo load and firefighting training program. 

The county said Leonard’s appointment came after a three-phase internal hiring process consisting of the review of internal applications and formal interviews conducted by a review committee. 

County Judge John Durrenberger said Leonard shows “experience, humility, and deep understanding of our organization” and calls him “the right leader for this next season of Washington County EMS.”  He added, “We are confident he will continue strengthening the department while building on the strong foundation that has been established over the past two decades.”

Deramus will assist in an advisory capacity during the transition period.