Contact Us

Meg Marino, MD, is the Director and Medical Director for New Orleans EMS.

Dr. Marino was born and raised in New Orleans and graduated cum laude from Loyola University in New Orleans and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans where she was the recipient of the Esprit de Corps Award. She completed residency at the University of Colorado in Denver where she first developed her love for EMS when she saw the patients that arrived in the ER after long transport times. There she developed an EMS educational needs assessment for rural EMS providers which was used to obtain grants for additional educational resources for EMS. While completing fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine where she served as chief fellow, she developed and taught pediatric curricula for the paramedics for the Houston Fire Department.

On the state level she serves on the Governor’s EMS Certification Commission for the State of Louisiana. She lectures nationally and internationally with the aim of improving the prehospital emergency care that patients receive. Prior to becoming the Medical Director, Dr. Marino served as the Deputy Medical Director of New Orleans EMS.

Dr. Marino has a strong interest in provider wellness and has been instrumental in focusing efforts on providing mental health support to providers. She developed the COVID occupational health program for New Orleans EMS. She is leading the Diversity and Equity Council at New Orleans EMS to help eliminate biases in healthcare, working to improve access to care to marginalized communities and promoting diversity in EMS. Dr. Marino enjoys spending time with her family, including her three rescue dogs, traveling, writing children’s books, and playing the ukulele.

Bill Salmeron was appointed Chief of New Orleans EMS in June 2019. Before this, he served as the Coordinator of Special Events and Planning for the Department since 2015. Chief Salmeron has been in EMS for 22 years after attending the Emergency Health Sciences Program at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Prior to New Orleans EMS, he was Emergency Services Director for the American Red Cross in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans for 12 years managing disaster preparedness, response, and service to military families. During this time, he also served as a Disaster Relief Operations Director and deployed to many disasters of all sizes throughout the country. A New Orleans native, Salmeron is proud to serve the community as Chief of New Orleans EMS.

Emily Nichols, MD is a board-certified emergency physician practicing in New Orleans, LA. She worked closely with EMS in the cities of New York and Philadelphia prior to serving as the Director of New Orleans EMS from 2018-2021. She now serves as an Deputy Medical Director with New Orleans EMS and she practices in the Emergency Department at Ochsner Medical Center. 

Dr. Nichols' EMS interests lie in prehospital trauma resuscitation, quality improvement/assurance, provider professional development, effective teamwork dynamics, and culturally sensitive and equitable EMS practices. She advocates for increasing recognition of prehospital critical care and she works within her community to build interprofessionalism amongst emergency clinicians. Dr. Nichols enjoys spending her free time with her daughter and with her husband who is also an emergency physician. 

David Rayburn, MD MPH is one of the deputy medical directors for New Orleans EMS as well as an emergency medicine physician at University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. Dr. Rayburn was born and raised in Sarasota, FL and recently relocated to the New Orleans area after completing his medical training in Indiana. Dr. Rayburn completed a combined Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics residency followed by an EMS fellowship. Dr. Rayburn was involved with EMS throughout his training and served as an assistant medical director for Speedway Fire Department and served as the Deputy Medical Director for Wayne Township Fire Department during his fellowship. Dr. Rayburn has a passion for prehospital education, particularly simulation education, and has provided EMS education for the past 7 years. On the state level he is a member of the Louisiana EMS for Children Pediatric Readiness Committee.  Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf. He is excited to be in New Orleans and to join the New Orleans EMS family. 

Deputy Chief Christopher Keller has been employed as a paramedic with the City of New Orleans since 2002 and is looking forward to utilizing his 26 years of experience in EMS to help guide the department’s 165 EMT’s and Paramedics towards continued growth and success as an integral public safety agency.  

Deputy Chief Keller served as a Shift Commander, Lieutenant, and served as a Rescue Technician on the NOEMS Rescue Unit with multiple disciplines of rescue training received.   He is currently certified as a Vehicle Extrication Rescue Technician Instructor, Rescue Swimmer Instructor, Swift Water Rescue Technician, Structural Collapse Technician (USAR), Public Safety & Rescue Diver, Rope Rescue Operations, and Confined Space Rescue Operations.  Deputy Chief Keller had the privilege to deploy twice in 2018 as a Louisiana Task Force 1 team member to assist with water rescues during Hurricane Florence in multiple counties of South Carolina, and then as a USAR technician immediately following Hurricane Michael in Bay County, Florida.  Deputy Chief Keller also serves on the Tactical Medical team as a SWAT medic supporting NOPD, U.S. Marshals Service, and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. 

Deputy Chief Keller received his EMT-Basic in 1993 from ULL, and his National Registered Paramedic in 1995 from East Baton Rouge EMS.  

While working full-time at NOEMS, Deputy Chief Keller attained his FAA Private Pilot’s License for Rotor Wing-Helicopter.   In his off time, he enjoys flying helicopters, scuba diving, 4x4 off-roading, camping, and hiking with his two dogs.

Rebecca “Becky” Benelli currently holds the rank of Major and serves a dual role with New Orleans EMS.  She is the Administrative Liaison and VIGOR Coordinator. (Volunteer In Government of Responsibility)  As the Administrative Liaison, she assists the Chief of EMS and Medical Director in updating and maintaining Policies and Procedures for the department.  As the VIGOR Coordinator, she orients, educates, and supervises the VIGORs as they prepare to assist the medics of New Orleans EMS in caring for the residents and visitors of New Orleans.

Becky began her medical career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1981.  As a graduate of the second LPN class offered by Nunez Community College, she gained employment at St. Charles General Hospital working as a LPN.  It was not long after that she was introduced to the world of pre-hospital emergency medicine and knew that was where she wanted to continue her career.  Becky received her EMT-Basic in June of 1982.  In October of 1982, she joined the New Orleans Police Department - Emergency Medical Services Division. Two years later, in August of 1984, she progressed to the ranks of EMT-Intermediate.  Becky worked for the NOPD’s Emergency Medical Services Division until it was transferred to the New Orleans Health Department in May of 1985.  She remained with the New Orleans Police Department until she retired with the rank of Sergeant in 2008.  During her tenure with the NOPD, she worked in District Patrol, Crime Prevention, Research and Planning, District Supervisor, Record Room Section Commander, Range (Fire Arms) Section Commander at the New Orleans Police Academy, and the Assistant Commander over the Scientific Criminal Investigative Division (Crime Lab).  While working at NOPD, Becky attended Delgado Community College and received an Associate Degree in General Studies in 1999. 

After retirement, Becky became part of the First Responder Team for the State of Louisiana.  Becky assisted First responders across Southeast Louisiana in peer counseling.  This became her new passion.  Becky learned the importance of peer counseling for all First Responders.  Becky began attending classes with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.  Becky is currently studying to become certified in Critical Incident Stress Management. 

Becky still had a passion for pre-hospital emergency medicine and EMS.  She began to volunteer with New Orleans EMS as a VIGOR.  In June of 2011, because of her passion for EMS and innate ability to lead and organize others, she was asked to expand her role and become the VIGOR Coordinator.  As the VIGOR Coordinator, Becky organizes the volunteers for special events as well as insures that all certifications and licensure are valid.  In June of 2013, she was hired by New Orleans EMS, as the Administrative Liaison and VIGOR Coordinator, where she continues to work today.  In 2014, Becky returned to school and attained her Advanced EMT Certification.  Becky is a Basic Life Support (BLS) Training Center Faculty at the Tulane Center for Advanced Medical Simulation and Team Training.  She also teaches an EMT Class at Tulane Center at Advanced Medical Simulation and Team Training. 

Major Benelli has been happily married to David Benelli for more than 24 years.  They have one daughter, Dana.  Becky has a step daughter, also named Becky, son in law Ryan, and a teenage grandson Ty.

A native New Orleanian, Robyn was trained by the City of New Orleans Paramedic Program and served as an EMT, Paramedic, and Paramedic Preceptor at New Orleans Health Department EMS from 1988 - 1998. When she left N.O.H.D EMS, she vowed to return one day after experiencing a little more of the world.

While serving as a civilian Flight Paramedic at a remote U.S. military base on Johnston Atoll, she became a PADI-certified Advanced Open Water Scuba Diver & Rescue Diver. As part of her training at what was then the world’s only Chemical Weapons disassembly facility, she was certified in Medical Management of Chemical & Biological Casualties and Hot Line Decontamination Management via the U.S Army. She is one of the few in New Orleans with real-world experience rescuing and treating people exposed to the chemical agents Sarin, VX, & Mustard gas.

After living in the Hawaiian Islands & missing her family and hometown, she moved back to New Orleans with renewed passion to help rebuild and improve healthcare in post-Katrina New Orleans.  Now a Registered Nurse & Charity School of Nursing grad, as well as a cancer survivor, Robyn feels blessed to be able to keep her vow, having returned to New Orleans EMS in 2011 to advocate for our patients amidst a fractured healthcare system. By collaborating with hospitals & social service agencies, she ensures our EMS patients receive continuity of care & services, especially for our chronically ill, frail elders, children, and our vulnerable citizens & visitors who are homeless, struggling with mental illness, and/or addiction to alcohol or drugs. 

Robyn is helping lead our innovative efforts to create Community Paramedicine, where we identify our patients who frequently call EMS & go to Emergency Rooms, and provide them with care coordination, readmission prevention, & access to an array of social services with our many community partners, as well as teaching on disease prevention & self-manangment.  New Orleans EMS’ motto, “So that others may live”, is based on our expertise at providing advanced life-saving emergency care. With Robyn’s collaborative work in EMS Community Health, our motto becomes “So that others may live and thrive!”.

Captain Janick Lewis is the Public Information Officer for New Orleans EMS.  His duties include media and interagency relations, as well as overseeing public outreach and educational efforts.

Cpt. Lewis received his EMT Basic training from Delgado Community College in 2007, and his Paramedic training at Nunez Community College in 2009. He has been proudly serving with New Orleans EMS since 2008. In addition to his primary duties, Cpt. Lewis also maintains his department’s tracking for all calls for service, assists the educational team as an NAEMT instructor, and serves as the Assistant Medical Team Manager as part of Louisiana Task Force 1.

While he grew up in Alexandria, VA., Cpt. Lewis has called New Orleans home since 2003. He is proud to serve his community, and continues to ensure that the residents and visitors of the City of New Orleans continue to receive the best possible services from New Orleans EMS.  

Captain Darryl Richardson currently serves as the B Watch Field Supervisor for New Orleans EMS.  He has held this position since 1993, and his duties include overseeing the daily operations of the men and women on his watch, as well as ensuring that medics provide the highest quality emergency medical treatment as dictated in the New Orleans EMS Mission Statement. 

Captain Richardson received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Southern University New Orleans in 1981.  He went on to become an EMT-Basic in 1982, and received his certification as a Paramedic in 1987.  Captain Richardson started his EMS career with the City of New Orleans in 1985, and his leadership skills have led to him being the longest serving Field Supervisor within the division.

As a native of New Orleans, Captain Richardson is dedicated to the city he loves and regularly works toward bettering the lives of his fellow citizens.  He is an active member of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.

Captain Kevin Hoag serves as the B Watch Field Supervisor for New Orleans EMS, and his duties include overseeing the daily operations of the men and women on his watch, as well as ensuring that medics provide the highest quality emergency medical treatment as dictated in the New Orleans EMS Mission Statement.

Captain Hoag proudly served our country as a member of the United States Navy (both active and reserve) from 1982 until 1993.  He became an EMT-Basic in 1991, and worked for various private ambulance services before joining the city ranks in 1993.  He obtained both national and state certification as a Paramedic in 1996, and additionally has been an instructor in CPR, BTLS, ACLS, and PALS.

Captain Williams-Johnson has been with the City of New Orleans Emergency Medical Services since 2000 and is currently supervisor of D Watch. Her duties include overseeing the daily operations of the men and women on her watch as well as ensuring that medics provide the highest quality emergency medical treatment as dictated in the New Orleans EMS Mission Statement. Captain Williams-Johnson was the first NOEMS female SWAT medic and completed the NOPD SWAT Academy in 2006, she is also cross-trained in high angle rescue, swift water rescue, confined space rescue, rapid rescue diver and is a member of SELA TF 1 USAR team. Captain Williams-Johnson received her EMT Basic training and Paramedic training at Nunez Community College and has been a paramedic since 2000.

Captain Laura Russell is the B Watch Field Supervisor.  Her duties include overseeing the daily operations of the men and women on her watch, as well as ensuring that medics provide the highest quality emergency medical treatment as dictated in the New Orleans EMS Mission Statement.  Laura is proud to be the first female captain at NOEMS.

Captain Russell Hill acquired her EMT in 2002 and Paramedic in 2004 from Itawamba Community College, Tupelo, Mississippi.  Employed with NOEMS since 2004, Laura has participated in Rapid Diver and other programs as she grew within the division.  Captain Russell Hill maintains her readiness through local Civil Service education and encourages her peers to remain and NOEMS through retirement.

Originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Captain Russell Hill claims to be the second most famous person from her hometown.  Now a resident of New Orleans, Laura enjoys spending free time with her loving husband and pets.  Laura is joyfully expecting twins later this year.  (check back in December for baby pics) 

Lieutenant Guidry operates as Assistant Field Supervisor at NOEMS.  She began in the EMS field through her local volunteer fire department.  She obtained her EMT Certification in 1995 and five years later, her Paramedic certification at Lafourche Technical Institute. After some time with a private EMS service, Christine joined in 2008. Lt. Guidry was appointed FTO and also became IPMBA certified.  In 2011, Lt. Guidry was selected as NOEMS Bike Team Commander.  It became her responsibility to maintain the fleet as well as train and manage other NOEMS Bike Medics.  Along with her IPMBA certification, Christine is also a SWAT Medic where she works closely with NOPD Special Operation Division on high risk calls. 

Deputy Chief Cedric Palmisano is the New Orleans EMS Deputy Chief of Special Operations and Logistics.  He is responsible for the NOEMS Special Ops Division, which includes Vehicle Rescue, High Angle and Confined Space Rescue, Water Rescue, Urban Search and Rescue, Haz-Mat Rescue, and Tactical Medics.  He also manages EMS logistics, and the emergency response fleet vehicles.

Deputy Chief Palmisano is a Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic and has been in EMS since 1994. He started as a volunteer with New Orleans EMS in the summer of 1994. He became an employee of the City in the spring of 1996. In 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, he was promoted to Lieutenant of Planning and was assigned to the New Orleans Emergency Operations Center where he spent many long days working to get the city back on its feet. As the Planning Lieutenant, Chief Palmisano's responsibilities included coordinating local, state, and federal emergency medical response pre and post disaster as well as mass surge events. As the EMS planning coordinator, he was responsible for planning and coordinating medical coverage for special events including Super Bowl XLVII, Mardi Gras, French Quarter Festival, marathons, holiday events and any other event that may require an EMS presence in Orleans Parish.  He became a tactical medic in 2009 and is still one today.  Cedric was promoted to Deputy Chief in Spring of 2014.

He is the proud parent of two wonderful children. He is a graduate of Brother Martin High School class of 1992 and Graduated from Delgado Community College in 1998 with an Associate's Degree of Science / Paramedic. He served in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 1998 to 2004 as a flight medic (DUSTOFF) with the 812th Medical Company (Air Ambulance). Prior to leaving the military, Chief Palmisano spent his last year of service on active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Perry Lew is the NOEMS Fleet Coordinator.  Perry began his career as a volunteer (VIGOR) with NOEMS in 1996 and then hired on in August of 1999.  Perry was appointed to A Watch Rescue Technician in 2013 and Fleet Coordinator in 2016.  Perry is trained in vehicle extrication, rope rescue, rapid diver, HazMat technician and SWAT medic.

Deputy Chief Lynn Ramagos has served with the EMS Division in the City of New Orleans for over 22 years. He began his tenure as a VIGOR for the Health Department in 1991 and was hired a year later as a field EMT.  In 1993 he, became a Nationally Registered Paramedic.  In 2002, he was promoted to Field Supervisor and, after ten years, was promoted to Deputy Chief of Training and Education.

Current responsibilities include overseeing the Education and Community Outreach Divisions.  He also manages the Drive Cam/Lynx system to ensure safe driving practices by the field staff, is a Lytx and Everbridge Administrator, and is a member of the team involved in the interview process of new applicants and overseeing their departmental orientation.  He is Chairperson of the NOEMS Accident Review Board and is part of the management team of ImageTrend.

Educational background includes instructorships in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), PreHospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) and Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS).   He is additionally Haz-Mat Technician and I.P.M.B.A. certified and also has an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Paramedic Studies from Delgado Community College.  

Lynn resides in the City of New Orleans and is married with one son. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys traveling with his family to LSU baseball and football games. He and his family also enjoy supporting our Saints team, regularly attending games.

Captain William Niemeck was appointed to the position of Education Coordinator in 2005. Since that time, he has been responsible for the initial education and training as well as recertification of all New Orleans EMS personnel.

Captain Niemeck is a proud graduate of De La Salle High School.  He received a degree in 2000 through Delgado Community College’s Allied Health Program.  He additionally has a Bachelor's degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.  Prior to his EMS career, he was an officer with New Orleans Harbor Police where he received a commendation for pursuing and apprehending an armed robbery suspect. He was also a founding member of NOPD’s Crisis Intervention Unit where he received a commendation for talking and transporting a suicidal patient from jumping off the Mississippi River Bridge. He began his career with New Orleans Health Department EMS in February 1991. He started out as a field paramedic, and his dedication to furthering both his own knowledge base as well as his coworkers led to him securing his current position.  During Hurricane Katrina Captain Niemeck was assigned to the LA Bureau of EMS Emergency Operations Center where he had the role of NOEMS Liaison and was responsible for assisting with coordinating equipment and assets used in the massive recovery effort. His duties were again requested during Hurricane Gustav.  He is affiliate faculty with Operation Life saver Training Center, and is a certified Instructor in BLS, ACLS, PHTLS, PALS, PEPP, AMLS, TECC and Active Shooter. He additionally holds certifications as a Dive Rescue Specialist, Hazardous Materials Technician, IPMBA EMS Cyclist and is a Bureau of EMS Instructor.  Captain Niemeck is the Medical Manager for LA Task Force 1, one of 3 state Urban Search and Rescue Teams.  He was recognized for his assistance while deployed for the Tuscaloosa Tornado of 2011, and has also been recognized by the White House Medical Unit for his participation in presidential details. He is also involved with LSU Interim Hospitals Sudden Impact Program.

Captain Niemeck spends his off time supporting his daughter’s cross country and track meets as well as her equestrian competitions.