Jim Page

[Guest guest]

From the firefighter close calls website.

Didn't get to know him personally, but did follow his career and

accomplishments. EMS has lost a true pioneer.

Steve Boykin, EMT-I

Shintech Inc

News/Updates

CHIEF JIM PAGE PASSES AWAY SUDDENLY

09-04-04 - It is with deep and extreme sadness that I advise you of the sudden

passing of " The Father of Modern EMS " , Chief Jim Page. Jim was the founder of

JEMS Magazine, Fire-Rescue Magazine, primary advisor of the TV Show " EMERGENCY " ,

a prominent Attorney and former Fire Chief. Jim passed away early this evening

while swimming. There are no additional details, but when we have them-we will

send out a notifcation on The Secret List.

Jim Page began his fire service career in Los Angeles County in 1957. He served

in numerous locations and roles while working his way through the ranks and

completing undergraduate education and law school at night. He has been a

licensed California attorney since 1971.

Here is a brief history of a wonderful man and friend to us at

FirefighterCloseCalls.com.

In 1971, Jim was assigned by his department to coordinate the countywide

implementation of paramedic rescue services. At the same time, he served as the

technical consultant and writer for the " Emergency! " television series. In 1973,

he resigned from the fire department to accept the new position of Chief of EMS

for the State of North Carolina.

Jim spent the next ten years based on the east coast. In 1976, he was selected

as Executive Director of the non-profit ACT (Advanced Coronary Treatment)

Foundation. In 1979, he founded JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services).

Over the years, it has become the centerpiece of Jems Communications, the

world's most respected source of information for emergency medical services.

In 1984, Jim returned to the California fire service while maintaining a

leadership role in Jems. In 1989, he retired as Fire Chief for the City of

Monterey Park (in Los Angeles County) and returned to full-time service as

Chairman and CEO of Jems Communications.

Over the years, Jim Page wrote six books, more than 400 magazine articles and

editorials, and given more than 800 public speeches. He has established and

funded an EMS educational foundation at Palomar College near San Diego. In 1995

he was honored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs when they created

the annual " O. Page Award of Excellence. " In 2000, he was featured by Fire

Chief Magazine as one of the 20 most influential fire chiefs of the 20th

Century.

Most recently, while continuing to serve as publisher emeritus of JEMS and

FireRescue Magazine, Jim was a partner in the law firm of Page, Wolfberg and

Wirth, with offices in California and Pennsylvania. Mr. Page is a father of

four, a grandfather of six, a private pilot, and a collector of vintage fire and

rescue equipment.