Delaware County Names Gary Vinnacombe Director of Emergency Services
Havertown native brings 20+ years of experience in emergency services leadership
Media, PA — Delaware County announced the appointment of Gary Vinnacombe as the Director of Emergency Services earlier this month, positioning them to capitalize on the historic investment recently made in Delaware County’s emergency telecommunications system. Vinnacombe has over 20 years of experience in emergency services leadership, including extensive work in fire, rescue, and EMS operations, along with organizational management and system development.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with this position, and I am excited about the opportunity to serve a community I love so much,” said Vinnacombe. “I am eager to step into this new role to improve coordination, develop our great personnel, and deliver for Delaware County residents when they need us most.”
Vinnacombe started his emergency services career as a teenager with Manoa Fire Company in Haverford Township, where he rose to become captain of their EMS service. He has spent his career in a variety of roles throughout the Philadelphia area, including over a decade as the Deputy Chief of EMS at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby. He also spent nearly 20 years as an adjunct faculty member at Delaware County Community College, teaching EMT classes, municipal police academy emergency responder training, and community/healthcare professional CPR training.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Emergency & Disaster Management from American Military University and a Master of Public Administration in Fire and Emergency Services from Anna Maria College.
“The depth of experience and connections to Delaware County that Mr. Vinnacombe brings to the position made him a standout candidate,” said Delaware County Council Chair Richard Womack. “He is the perfect person to lead our Department of Emergency Services into the future as they continue to implement their new state-of-the-art emergency telecommunications system.”
Earlier this year, Council unveiled Delaware County’s modernized emergency telecommunications system, which was completed multiple weeks ahead of schedule and $2 million under budget. This gives Delco first responders 99% on-street coverage, exceeding the industry standard and allowing for connectivity on streets, wooded areas, parks, trails, and more. The new Kenwood radios protect critical communications from intrusions, allow for faster startup times, and improve cross-agency communications. These enhancements have led to an 80% reduction in dropped calls following the implementation of the Automated Abandoned Callback system.
Delaware County extends its gratitude to Interim Director Ed Beebe, who oversaw DES for the last 18 months.
For more information about Vinnacombe, his team, and the work they do, visit www.delcopa.gov/emergency-services. More information about the emergency telecommunications modernizations can be found here.