In an emotional ceremony attended by members of the city’s Emergency Medical Services, family, friends, and first responders, Mayor Paul Coogan swore in Bethann Faunce, the first female chief of the Fall River EMS.

The May 20 swearing in resumed later in the afternoon to celebrate 14 inter-departmental pinnings and promotions, nine EMS school completion certificates, and to award the first-ever paramedic scholarship.

After taking an official oath of office to “faithfully” serve the Fall River community, Faunce remarked on the 50years EMS has provided intensive ambulatory and home-care services to city residents. Faunce, who has enjoyed a 30-year tenure with EMS, bore witness to the department’s growth and sustainability, she said.

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