The state Office of Emergency Medical Services has suspended the paramedic license held by Northfield EMS Chief and Orange EMS Capt. Mark Fortier, but town officials say paramedic staffing levels are sufficient to ensure continued ambulance service.

The suspension took effect on Feb. 2, according to the state Department of Public Health, which handles news media inquiries for the Office of Emergency Medical Services. A DPH spokesperson did not provide a reason for the suspension when asked by a reporter. State regulations governing license suspensions dictate that the Office of Emergency Medical Services may suspend a license without a hearing “if the commissioner finds that public health or safety is endangered.”

When reached by phone, Fortier stated the issue is a personnel matter that is being appealed with the state, and declined to comment on the reasons for the suspension.

Orange Fire Chief James Young said Fortier is unable to work with the Orange department, where he serves as a captain. He declined to comment on the reason for the license suspension.

With seven paramedics working in Orange, Young said the suspension won’t affect his department’s ability to provide medical coverage.

“Our coverage will remain the same,” he said. “Regardless of anybody that could be potentially suspended, our coverage remains the same.”

Although Fortier is unable to work in Orange, Northfield Selectboard Chair Alex Meisner said the board, during a Feb. 20 executive session, voted unanimously to keep Fortier as Northfield EMS chief. According to the Department of Public Health, “there is nothing in the EMS regulations that precludes a non-EMT from leading an ambulance service.” However, “a paramedic whose certification has been suspended cannot staff an ambulance.”

The Department of Public Health confirmed it is “up to the licensed ambulance service to determine” if Fortier “is able to remain as manager.”

“He’s still remaining as [Northfield EMS] chief after careful and thorough consideration,” Meisner said, mentioning that the situation more directly relates to Fortier’s work in Orange. “We’re going to back our chief.”

According to the Office of Health and Human Services’ License Verification Site, Fortier has held his paramedic certification since April 2011 and the license was set to expire in March 2026. Fortier has served as chief for Northfield EMS since 2005, and the Selectboard voted to pursue becoming a paramedic-level ambulance service in 2014.

According to state regulations, a written notice outlining the reasons for a suspension is given to the involved individual, who is also “notified in writing of the right to an adjudicatory hearing” provided that a hearing is requested in writing within 14 calendar days of the notification of license suspension. After the hearing, the Office of Emergency Medical Services can decide whether to modify the license or suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the license, per state regulations.

Reporter Domenic Poli contributed to this article.