San Juan Island EMS Chief Jim Cole has been designated a chief medical officer by the Commission on Professional Credentialing of the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

This national certification is awarded by the commission as confirmation of the education, professional contributions, leadership and management skills required for the most senior positions in the emergency services profession.

“We congratulate Jim on achieving this professional milestone,” said Lenore Bayuk, chairwoman of the San Juan County Public Hospital District Board. “Jim’s vision and exemplary professional skills are assets we all appreciate and benefit from.”

The Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, promotes continuous quality improvement by providing training, accreditation and career resources to the fire and emergency service agencies and personnel that serve communities throughout the United States.

San Juan Island EMS is the tax-supported, county EMS agency serving the residents and visitors of San Juan Island, Town of Friday Harbor, Brown Island, Stuart Island, Johns Island, Speiden Island, Pearl Island and Henry Island in San Juan County, Washington. It provides emergency medical services, critical care transport, and injury and accident prevention. The staff of career paramedics and volunteer EMTs is available 24 hours a day.