A Valley native has been named the new executive director of the region’s paramedic service.
Robert A. Pettinella’s appointment was announced Thursday during a meeting of Valley Emergency Medical Services (VEMS).
Pettinella, who lives in Oxford, replaces Jason Perillo.
Perillo, a Republican member of the state House of Representatives, has taken a job as Dan Debicella’s campaign manager. Debicella, a Republican state Senator from Shelton, is challenging Jim Himes for his Congressional seat.
Pettinella owns Pettinella Painting & Maintenance Services, LLC. He spent 15 years in the emergency medical services industry, first as a paramedic and later as an administrator with American Medical Response, a paramedic service in Bridgeport.
Pettinella said he plans to stay the course at VEMS.
“Nothing is in the works that’s going to upset the apple cart. I’m just going to take a wait-and-see approach to see how the operation is running. Any issues we find, we’ll address them as they come,” he said.
Pettinella intends to continue with his painting and remodeling business in his free time.
VEMS’ search committee members said Pettinella’s experience made him stand out from the field of 34 applicants.
Outgoing Executive Director Perillo read all the applications submitted and selected 20 for further review by the other four search committee members.
Besides Perillo, search committee members included:
- VEMS President Jerry Schwab (director, Oxford Ambulance Association)
- VEMS Corporate Secretary Shannon McDaniel (chairwoman, Seymour Ambulance Board of Directors)
- Noreen McGorty (chairwoman, Shelton EMS Commission)
- Scott Nihill (commissioner, Ansonia Rescue Medical Services)
The committee interviewed 10 candidates and brought back three for second interviews. Perillo said his replacement really shined.
“We had ten, all of whom could have done the job, then three, all of whom could have done a fantastic job, and from there Bob was the obvious choice,” Perillo said.
“We did a lot of good work, but now it’s time to pass the torch,” Perillo said. “The concern now is that we pass the torch on to someone who can do a great job, and Bob is that person. He’s highly qualified, and has an excellent reputation in the EMS community.”
Pettinella will start next week, with Perillo showing him the ropes for his first week or so.
Pettinella will be paid $70,000 each year for the life of his three-year contract — less than Perillo’s $75,000 annual salary, but more than the $65,000 the board had originally set aside for his successor’s salary.
