To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Nolan Sullivan, 707-565-4774; Amelyn Olson 707-565-2696
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Approve the new or continuing appointment of organization-selected representatives David Bynum, Stephen Akre, Mark LaGrave, Jeff Schach, and Sean Sullivan to serve on the Sonoma County Emergency Medical Care Council for a four-year term from date of appointment.
End
Executive Summary:
The Emergency Medical Care Council advises the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and the Coastal Valleys Emergency Medical Services Agency on emergency medical services in the county. The council reviews emergency medical services operations, supports long-term planning and public education, and provides annual reports. Coastal Valleys Emergency Medical Services Agency staff support the Emergency Medical Care Council administratively.
The Department of Health Services is recommending the appointment of David Bynum as a new Ground Ambulance Provider Representative and the re-appointment of Stephen Akre, Mark LaGrave, Jeff Schach, and Sean Sullivan through June 26, 2027.
Discussion:
The Emergency Medical Care Council (EMCC) serves as an advisory body to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and the Coastal Valleys Emergency Medical Services Agency (CVEMSA). Its responsibilities include:
• Reviewing all aspects of emergency medical services (EMS) in Sonoma County.
• Engaging in long-term planning and coordinating public education and injury prevention efforts related to EMS.
• Providing an annual report to the Board of Supervisors and CVEMSA.
• Administrative support for the EMCC is provided by CVEMSA staff.
Background
Under California Health and Safety Code § 1797.270 <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&division=2.5.&title=&part=&chapter=4.&article=3.>, counties may establish an emergency medical care committee to oversee ambulance services, emergency medical care, and first aid practices. In 1968, Sonoma County’s Board of Supervisors established the EMCC as an advisory committee for county EMS. The Board approved the committee’s bylaws in 1990; these were subsequently updated by the EMCC in 2022 and most recently in January 2023. Updates to the bylaws do not require Board approval.
Council Composition
The EMCC is comprised of eighteen (18) voting members: eleven (11) representatives from Sonoma County’s healthcare and EMS stakeholder groups, and seven (7) consumer representatives. The consumer members include one appointee from each supervisorial district and two at-large representatives.
Bylaws stipulate that provider and stakeholder members are nominated by their respective professional associations, organizations, or by a majority vote of the council’s voting members.
Appointment Recommendation
The following individual has been nominated by their professional association and endorsed by the EMCC to fill a vacancy:
• David Bynum (Sonoma County Fire District) as EOA-1 Ground Ambulance Provider Representative, replacing the previous representative who withdrew. Term: November 4, 2025 - November 3, 2029.
Note: On March 25, 2025, the Board approved Mr. Bynum’s appointment as Emergency Medical Services Personnel for the term of July 27, 2024, through July 26, 2028. He will be transitioning into this new role following a recent promotion. His previous position was filled by Sam Crenshaw at the Board meeting on October 7, 2025.
The Department of Health Services recommends the Board of Supervisors approve this appointment.
Re-Appointment Recommendations
The Department of Health Services also recommends the Board approve the re-appointment of the following individuals, all approved by the EMCC on July 24, 2023, with terms ending July 26, 2027:
• Stephen Akre - Sonoma County Fire Chief’s Association representative (serving since August 15, 2017).
• Mark LaGrave - Hospital Provider Emergency Department Physician representative (serving since October 13, 2013).
• Jeff Schach - Sonoma County Fire Chief’s Association representative (serving since August 18, 2020).
• Sean Sullivan - Sonoma County Paramedic Association representative (serving since October 24, 2021).
A table listing the full Sonoma County Emergency Medical Care Council membership is provided as Attachment 1.
Prior Board Actions:
The Board of Supervisors appoints/reappoints Emergency Care Council members as needed. Most recently, on October 7, 2025, the Board approved the new appointment of organization-selected representatives Marcus Bond and Sam Crenshaw to serve on the Sonoma County Emergency Medical Care Council for four-year terms from date of appointments.
3/25/2025 Agenda Item 30 - the Board approved the appointment of David Bynum as Emergency Medical Services Personnel (Sonoma County Paramedic Association) representative through July 26, 2028.
1/4/2022 Agenda Item 18 - The Board approved the appointment of Sean Sullivan as Sonoma County Paramedic Association representative through October 24, 2023
8/18/20 Agenda Item 13 - The Board approved the re-appointments of Mark LaGrave, Stephen Akre, and Jeff Schach through August 31, 2023.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Sonoma County Emergency Medical Care Council Membership
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
N/A