Priority Ambulance is pleased to announce the appointments of four key leadership positions for the company’s CONFIRE EMS operations, bringing together experienced EMS leaders focused on local coordination and reliable ambulance response for the communities served through the CONFIRE EMS system, which launches October 1.
Priority’s leadership team will be led by Jeremy Seib, Vice President of Operations. Seib will work in partnership with CONFIRE JPA and Ray Gayk, Pacific Region President for Priority Ambulance. Gayk will provide leadership and oversight for Priority Ambulance’s role in supporting ambulance operations across San Bernardino County.
Reporting to Seib are three Operations Managers who will lead regional operational performance and day-to-day service delivery: Patrick Jansen, Operations Manager for the West Valley Region; Heather Watts, Operations Manager for the East Valley Region; and Leonardo Lara, Operations Manager for the High Desert Region.
The team was selected to support a high-performing model built around accountability, clinical readiness, workforce engagement, and close collaboration with public safety partners. Together, these leaders bring the experience and regional knowledge needed to strengthen field operations, support caregivers, and help ensure dependable ambulance response throughout San Bernardino County.
“We are excited to welcome Jeremy, Patrick, Heather, and Leonardo to the Priority Ambulance family as we prepare to begin serving the San Bernardino community,” said Ray Gayk, Pacific Region Regional President for Priority Ambulance. “Each brings valuable experience, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to public service. Together, they will play an important role in a successful launch and in delivering dependable, community-focused EMS across San Bernardino County.”
Jeremy Seib brings nearly 30 years of leadership and emergency medical services experience, including service as Division Manager for one of California’s largest private ambulance companies, where he led a multi-million-dollar division and supported more than 500 personnel. His background also includes emergency management, incident command, and disaster response. As Vice President of Operations, he will provide strategic and operational leadership for ambulance service delivery in San Bernardino County, support alignment between Priority Ambulance and CONFIRE JPA, and advance a culture of performance, preparedness, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Patrick Jansen brings more than 20 years of emergency medical services experience, with roles spanning EMT, paramedic, logistics supervisor, ALS operations supervisor, and operations manager overseeing interfacility transportation services and special events teams. As Operations Manager for the West Valley Region, he will oversee regional ambulance operations with a focus on response reliability, team development, operational discipline, and coordination with local public safety and health care partners.
Heather Watts brings more than 22 years of emergency medical services experience, including leadership experience with one of the nation’s largest private ambulance providers and service with the local LEMSA as an EMS Specialist. As Operations Manager for the East Valley Region, she will help lead day-to-day ambulance operations with a focus on consistency, employee engagement, service excellence, and strong coordination with local public safety and health care partners.
Leonardo Lara serves as Operations Manager for the High Desert Region, bringing 13 years of emergency medical services experience. He spent 10 years serving the High Desert community as a paramedic before transitioning into ambulance operations management. Throughout his career, Lara has remained committed to improving emergency response, supporting frontline personnel, and enhancing patient care through effective leadership.
As Priority Ambulance prepares for its October 1 launch, the CONFIRE EMS leadership team reflects the company’s commitment to a strong, experienced structure grounded in readiness, accountability, and community service. By aligning regional leaders, resources, communication, and performance expectations across the system, Priority Ambulance is positioning its team to support frontline caregivers, strengthen partnerships, and serve the residents of San Bernardino County.
