Boston EMS Superintendent-in-Chief dies after 40 years with the department

The agency announced that the second officer in command of Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has died.

John Gill, 61, of West Roxbury, died Saturday after 40 years of service with Boston EMS, according to His obituary. He was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

“John has faithfully served this department for nearly four decades, devoting his entire career to the mission of providing the highest level of prehospital care to the people of Boston,” Boston EMS said. On Facebook. “His work has received numerous commendations, including two unit citations, reflecting a career defined by loyalty to the department and dedication to the city of Boston – the city in which he was born and raised.”

The agency said Gill started at Boston EMS on June 25, 1986 and was eventually promoted to paramedic in 1991, then to deputy superintendent in 2003, and to general superintendent in 2020. He was known for his “reliability, depth of knowledge and dedication” but also for his “quick wit and dry sense of humor.”

In addition to his daily duties, Gill helped establish the Boston EMS Honor Guard and found the Boston EMS Relief Society. He also served as President of the Boston EMS Association Steward, representing his fellow members.

“John’s decades of service, leadership and institutional knowledge leave a lasting mark on Boston EMS,” the agency said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, friends and colleagues as they remember his life and long dedication to the department.”

Boston EMS said Jill’s funeral will be held from 3pm to 7pm Thursday at Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home in West Roxbury. On Facebook. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Name Parish, also in West Roxbury.