Our Leadership Team
Jeffrey Scott
Chief Scott joined Firelands EMS in late 2024 as a volunteer paramedic and was honored to be selected to serve as Chief in early 2025. With more than three decades of experience as a paramedic, and his career fire/ems career starting as an explorer in the mid-80’s, and graduating fire school in 1990, he is deeply committed to serving communities and supporting the responders who care for them. Throughout his distinguished career, he has worked in both rural and high-volume urban EMS systems, including his fulltime experience as a firefighter/paramedic in Dublin, Ohio. His background also includes flight medicine in both helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as critical care transport, allowing him to bring a broad and well-rounded perspective to patient care and emergency services leadership. While serving Firelands part-time as Chief, he currently works as a firefighter/paramedic for Mifflin Township.
Chief Scott holds two Master’s degrees, a Bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Management, and two Associate degrees in Fire and EMS. Beyond public safety, he is an ordained pastor with a Master of Divinity and actively serves a congregation in Ohio’s Amish Country. He is passionate about mentorship, education, and servant leadership, having previously served as a paramedic instructor and as a retired Police Chief. He is also a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy.
At his core, Chief Scott believes strong emergency services begin with strong relationships. He is dedicated to building partnerships within the community, supporting his team, and ensuring compassionate, high-quality care for those Firelands EMS serves. Outside of his professional and ministry roles, he is a proud father and devoted “cheer dad,” enthusiastically supporting his daughters competitive cheer activities.
Jeff Vanderpool
Ashley Risner
Family is one of the most important parts of my life, and I love spending time with my three children and our dog. I have always had a passion for helping others and serving my community, which is one of the reasons I chose a career in EMS and the fire service. Outside of work, I enjoy music and outdoor activities, because it gives me a chance to relax, make memories, and spend time with the people I care about most.
I became an EMT in 2024 and have loved being able to help people during difficult moments in their lives. Since 2024, I have worked at Firelands, where I have continued to grow both personally and professionally. Recently, I have been working towards obtaining my Firefighter I certification, which was is a great accomplishment I am very proud of. In addition to my primary department, I also serve both Sullivan Fire and Rescue and Ruggles Troy Volunteer Fire Department in Ashland County, which allows me to gain experience in different communities and continue expanding my skills in emergency services.
One of the things I enjoy most about fire and EMS is that no two days are ever the same. Every call brings new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to help others. I appreciate the teamwork, fast-paced environment, and the ability to make a positive impact when people need it most. The unpredictability of the job keeps me motivated and constantly learning, and I take pride in serving my community alongside other dedicated first responders.
Donald Spaner, MD
Don Spaner, MD is a dual Board Certified Emergency Physician and Board Certified EMS Medical Director. He is the Chief Medical Officer of the UH EMS Institute. Don is a retired US Army Colonel, with 42 years of military service, including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and mobilizations to Egypt, Africa, and Japan. He has been married to his wife Pam for 42 years. Don has three children, Andrew Spaner, Eric Spaner, and Haley Durdella, DO (Emergency Physician), and a wonder dog, Newton. He also has five grandkids, Lia, Ariah, Theo, Noah, and Sofie. His favorite advice is: Get the right patient to the right place at the right time for the right care. Always remember to treat our patients as if they were your own family.
