Niagara Region Has New Emergency Medical Services Chief

Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health

“I’m pleased to welcome Karen (Lutz-Graul) as the permanent Director of Emergency Services / EMS Chief. With decades of service at Niagara EMS, she knows both the team and the community deeply. Her strong leadership, passion for paramedicine, and commitment to patient-centred care position her well to lead the team into its next chapter with confidence and vision.”                                                – Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Public Health and Emergency Services

News from Niagara Region’s of Public Health and Emergency Services Department

Posted September 24rth, 2025 on Niagara At Large

New Niagara Region Emergency Medical Services Chief Karen Lutz-Graul

Niagara Emergency Medical Services (Niagara EMS) is pleased to announce that following a comprehensive recruitment process, Karen Lutz-Graul has been appointed as the permanent Director of Emergency Services / EMS Chief at Niagara Region, effective September 29, 2025.

Lutz-Graul has been serving as Acting Chief at Niagara EMS for the past two months. Prior to that, she held the role of Deputy Chief of EMS Operations since 2020. A valued member of Niagara EMS since 1991, she began her career with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Ambulance Service as a Primary Care Paramedic.

Since then, she has held various progressive roles within the organization. With 35 years of EMS experience, Lutz-Graul has a proven track record of strong leadership and operational excellence.

In her role as permanent Director of Emergency Services / EMS Chief, Lutz-Graul will be responsible for delivering Emergency Services including Niagara Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic and Communications Services) and Emergency Management.

Quote

“I’m honoured to take on the role of Director of Emergency Services / EMS Chief. Having built my career here in Niagara, I’ve seen firsthand the strength, skill, and dedication of our team. I’m committed to supporting our staff, advancing the profession, and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality care to the residents we serve.” – Karen Lutz-Graul, Chief, Niagara Emergency Medical Services

NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views O This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.

“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders