Firefighter Chris Griffin is city’s newest certified paramedic

LACONIA — Firefighter Chris Griffin is the city’s latest paramedic, joining the ranks of 13 other firefighter-paramedics in the Laconia Fire Department along with certified leadership.

“We’re proud of our team’s growth and ongoing commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to our community,” wrote Deputy Chief Scott Lewandowski in an email. “Congratulations, FF Chris Griffin.”

A member of the department for 2.5 years, Griffin recently completed his NREMT exam, a significant milestone, considering the certification process is quite rigorous.

“He recently completed an intensive paramedic training program, which required hundreds of clinical hours in addition to rigorous classroom instruction. This achievement reflects a significant commitment of time, energy and dedication,” Lewandowski said.

Formerly a lieutenant with the Belmont Fire Department, Griffin “joins a highly skilled team that, in addition to the mentioned firefighter-paramedics, also includes four lieutenant-paramedics, two deputy chief-paramedics, and one community paramedic (who plays a key role in providing outreach, follow-up care, and proactive health services throughout the city),” he said.

The Laconia Fire Department's objective is to provide the citizens of Laconia and visitors to the city with effective and efficient fire, medical, rescue and environmental protection services.

According to the July 2025 City of Laconia Financial & Operational Trends report, the fire department responded to 466 incidents in June 2024, compared with this year’s 416, an optimistic sign for the city. Regardless, having trained personnel makes a world of difference.

“Thanks to our department's continued focus on training and development, it is rare that an emergency scene is without at least one paramedic present,” Lewandowski wrote. “The impact of having highly trained paramedics on scene is significant. Their advanced skills often make the critical difference in time-sensitive emergencies, improving survival rates and ensuring patients receive top-quality care before arriving at the hospital.”

City Manager Kirk Beattie, the former fire chief, is also a certified paramedic.

“We’re also proud to note that the city manager was one of the department’s first paramedics and continues to maintain his certification — a reflection of the city's long-standing commitment to advanced emergency medical care,” Lewandowski wrote.

The city’s 15th firefighter-paramedic, Rachel Legg, will complete her certification next month.