Karen Lutz-Graul Appointed Permanent Niagara EMS Chief

September 23, 2025

Niagara Emergency Medical Services (Niagara EMS) is pleased to announce that following a comprehensive recruitment process, Karen Lutz-Graul has been appointed as the permanent Director of Emergency Services / EMS Chief at Niagara Region, effective September 29, 2025.  

Lutz-Graul has been serving as Acting Chief at Niagara EMS for the past two months. Prior to that, she held the role of Deputy Chief of EMS Operations since 2020. A valued member of Niagara EMS since 1991, she began her career with the Niagara-on-the-Lake Ambulance Service as a Primary Care Paramedic. Since then, she has held various progressive roles within the organization. With 35 years of EMS experience, Lutz-Graul has a proven track record of strong leadership and operational excellence. 

In her role as permanent Director of Emergency Services / EMS Chief, Lutz-Graul will be responsible for delivering Emergency Services including Niagara Emergency Medical Services (Paramedic and Communications Services) and Emergency Management.  

Quotes

"I’m pleased to welcome Karen as the permanent Director of Emergency Services / EMS Chief. With decades of service at Niagara EMS, she knows both the team and the community deeply. Her strong leadership, passion for paramedicine, and commitment to patient-centred care position her well to lead the team into its next chapter with confidence and vision."

Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Public Health and Emergency Services

“I’m honoured to take on the role of Director of Emergency Services / EMS Chief. Having built my career here in Niagara, I’ve seen firsthand the strength, skill, and dedication of our team. I’m committed to supporting our staff, advancing the profession, and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality care to the residents we serve."

Karen Lutz-Graul, Chief, Niagara Emergency Medical Services

Media contact

Courtney Westerhof
Senior Communications Specialist
Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services
905-688-8248  ext. 7303
courtney.westerhof@niagararegion.ca