Penn Hills native Josh Worth named Foxwall commander

Penn Hills native Josh Worth has been named operations commander at Foxwall EMS.

His background in fire rescue, emergency medical services leadership, training and education made him a natural fit for the Fox Chapel-based service, Chief Rick Duffy said.

“I'm really enjoying it,” said Worth, 26. “It's a bit of a challenge, because we are one of the only volunteer-staffed services left in the region, but we never leave the community uncovered at any time.”

Worth replaced longtime Foxwall Administrator Gordon Fisher, who retired in September.

Currently a resident of Forest Hills, Worth most recently served as director of education and clinical affairs at Susquehanna Valley EMS in Lancaster. He also has worked as a paramedic at Ross/West View EMS and with the Monroeville Volunteer Fire Department.

“Being from here, my wife and I wanted to move back so I could serve here,” Worth said about leaving Lancaster.

He already has made a difference in his first two months with the service, Duffy said.

“He provides a clear vision that will continue to move us in a positive direction,” Duffy said.

Founded in 1978, Foxwall provides advanced life support ambulance service to Fox Chapel and Aspinwall, as well as mutual aid to other communities in the area. The crew responded to 700 calls last year.

Worth said there are unique challenges in operating with a volunteer roster of 27.

“The organization is strong clinically and personnel-wise,” he said. “We have a great volunteer base. But, we rely heavily on subscriptions and donations from the community, so it's tough.”

Goals for Worth are recruiting volunteers and bringing more training opportunities to residents.

“We might do something to educate people on the opioid crisis or get people trained to respond to disasters,” he said. “We're here, but educating the community is important, too.”

Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review.