INTRODUCTORY LETTER

 VAGEMSA is the Commonwealth of Virginia's premiere professional association dedicated to improving EMS throughout Virginia by promoting and developing Emergency Medical Services issues and leadership at a local, regional and statewide level. Since its founding, the association has grown steadily in membership and stature. We are an organization committed to fostering and building effective coalitions among other organizations, our legislators and in our communities.  The organization provides a professional venue and resource pool geared toward career EMS officers, managers and agency administrators. VAGEMSA members maintain a very hands-on and active role in the development and improvement of Virginia's EMS System at many levels. Several of our on-going efforts include legislative and regulatory initiatives, local fees for EMS services and quality assurance in EMS. A number of our members serve as members of the State EMS Advisory Board and its committees in addition to being very active in their respective EMS Regional Councils, Planning Districts and in their local governments. VAGEMSA, whose member agencies serve a significant percentage of Virginia's population, provides a unique network of career based EMS leaders who gain leadership skills and knowledge through the sharing of ideas, protocols and policies. We actively participate with the Virginia State Fire Chiefs Association and the Virginia Fire Council.  If you are an interested full or part-time career based EMS Chief, administrator, manager or agency leader whose organization is not yet a VAGEMSA  Member Agency, check out our website for further information about how to join this outstanding organization. We look forward to hearing from you.