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

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

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

“John faithfully served this department for nearly four decades, dedicating his entire career to the mission of providing the highest standard of prehospital care to the people of Boston,” Boston EMS said on Facebook. “His work earned numerous commendations, including two Unit Citations, reflecting a career defined by loyalty to the department and dedication to the City of Boston — the city where he was born and raised.”

Gill began at Boston EMS on June 25, 1986 and was eventually promoted to Paramedic in 1991, to Deputy Superintendent in 2003, and to Superintendent-in-Chief in 2020, the agency said. He was known for his “reliability, depth of knowledge, and dedication” but also his “quick wit and dry sense of humor.”

Beyond his daily duties, Gill helped found the Boston EMS Honor Guard and establish the Boston EMS Relief Association. He also served as Chief Steward of the Boston EMS union, representing his fellow members.

“John’s decades of service, leadership, and institutional knowledge leave an enduring 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 his longstanding dedication to the department.”

Gill’s wake will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home in West Roxbury, Boston EMS said on Facebook. His funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Holy Name Parish, also in West Roxbury.