California governor appoints firefighters and doctors to EMS body
Iain Hoey
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Governor announces EMS appointments
The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of Sean Edwards and David Duncan to the California Emergency Medical Services Commission.
According to the Office of the Governor, both appointments were confirmed on 11 September 2025 and carry no compensation or requirement for Senate confirmation.
Edwards, based in Carmel, is a Fire Captain Paramedic with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. He has worked in various operational and leadership roles with the department since 2012.
Duncan, from Penryn, is Medical Director at El Dorado County Emergency Medical Services. He has held a series of medical and directorial roles across California since the mid-1990s.
Edwards appointed to EMS commission
The Office of the Governor reported that Sean Edwards has served as Fire Captain Paramedic with CAL FIRE since 2023. He previously worked as Fire Captain, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Paramedic and Firefighter Paramedic.
It added that Edwards was a Jump Medic and Firefighter at Auto Club Speedway between 2009 and 2013. He also worked at American Medical Response from 2003 to 2013, serving as both Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician.
The Office of the Governor said he was a Ski Patrol at Mountain High Ski Resorts from 2010 to 2012 and served as an Emergency Medical Technician at Pharoah’s Lost Kingdom from 2003 to 2005.
According to the announcement, Edwards is currently Union Representative on the Emergency Medical Services Committee at CAL FIRE and a member of the State Bargaining Team at CAL FIRE Local 2881. He is also part of the Monterey County Urban Search and Rescue Team.
The Governor’s Office stated that Edwards is a Democrat.
Duncan appointed to EMS commission
The Office of the Governor confirmed that David Duncan has been Medical Director at El Dorado County Emergency Medical Services since 2021.
It added that Duncan previously served as Director of the Emergency Medical Services Authority between 2019 and 2021. Before that, he was a Staff Emergency Physician at the Mather Veterans Affair Emergency Department from 2016 to 2019.
The Office of the Governor said he held senior roles at Air Medical Group Holdings and REACH Air Medical Services from 2008 to 2019. He was also Medical Director at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection during 2010 to 2019.
It explained that Duncan worked as Medical Director at Placer County Corrections from 2005 to 2020. He also served as a Staff Emergency Physician at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital from 1995 to 2015.
The Office of the Governor noted that Duncan previously worked at Mercy San Juan Hospital between 1996 and 1999 and at the University of California, Davis from 1994 to 1996.
The announcement added that Duncan is a Democrat.
Duncan’s education and professional affiliations
The Office of the Governor stated that Duncan earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California, San Diego. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from California State University, Sacramento.
It added that he is a member of the American Medical Association.
Commission role and requirements
The Office of the Governor explained that positions on the Emergency Medical Services Commission do not require Senate confirmation.
It confirmed that the posts are unpaid and intended for individuals with relevant expertise in emergency medical care and public safety.
The Office of the Governor said the appointments of Edwards and Duncan align with the state’s framework of combining medical and operational perspectives within the commission.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The appointment of Sean Edwards and David Duncan to the Emergency Medical Services Commission is relevant to fire and safety professionals as it places both operational and medical expertise within the commission.
Edwards brings direct experience from CAL FIRE operations and union representation, which links the commission’s work to frontline emergency services and firefighter welfare.
Duncan contributes decades of experience in emergency medicine and medical direction across California hospitals, air medical services and correctional facilities.
The combination of these backgrounds may influence future decisions on emergency medical service standards, training requirements and coordination between agencies.
California governor appoints Edwards and Duncan to EMS commission: Summary
The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of Sean Edwards and David Duncan to the Emergency Medical Services Commission.
The announcement was made on 11 September 2025.
Both roles do not require Senate confirmation.
Both positions are unpaid.
Edwards is a Fire Captain Paramedic at CAL FIRE.
He has served in multiple roles at CAL FIRE since 2012.
Edwards has worked for American Medical Response, Auto Club Speedway and Mountain High Ski Resorts.
He also serves as Union Representative on the EMS Committee at CAL FIRE.
He is part of the State Bargaining Team at CAL FIRE Local 2881.
He is a member of the Monterey County Urban Search and Rescue Team.
Duncan is Medical Director at El Dorado County Emergency Medical Services.
He was Director of the Emergency Medical Services Authority from 2019 to 2021.
He previously held staff emergency physician roles at several hospitals.
Duncan has worked as Medical Director at CAL FIRE and other agencies.
He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of California, San Diego.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology at California State University, Sacramento.
He is a member of the American Medical Association.
Duncan is a Democrat.
Edwards is a Democrat.