John Rose

John Rose has served the people of Martha's Vineyard for decades, currently as Fire & EMS Chief in Oak Bluffs. He came up through the ranks as a paramedic, working calls ranging from routine medical transports to multi-agency emergencies on land and at sea.

He is one of a small number of paramedics certified to perform medical evacuations alongside the United States Coast Guard, supporting offshore patients who cannot wait for a ferry. On a typical week, his department also runs 180-mile transfers to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Chief Rose has led mass-casualty drills coordinating fire, EMS, police, and federal partners, including a large-scale 2019 exercise at Waban Park. He is a vocal advocate for the volunteer fire service and for first responder mental health, speaking openly about PTSD and the long-term cost of the job.