Fallon Ambulance Service appoints Jim Harris company MIS Director

Fallon Ambulance Service has appointed Milton resident Jim Harris as Management Information Service (MIS) Director. In this capacity, he will guide the company's continued technological growth.

Harris oversaw and helped implement the Y2K preparations for the 64-year old, family-owned ambulance company based in Milton. The yearlong process included evaluation of each piece of life-saving equipment, all computer components, and an evaluation of all vehicles, as well as working with personnel to provide backup scheduling. Additionally, Harris has overseen the installation of a permanent generator with automatic switchover capability in the event of a power failure of any sort.

Harris is working to upgrade and streamline the company's computer systems for its day-to-day operations, to achieve the greatest level of integration. "Our goal has been to make everything part of the same, state-of-the-art system," he noted.

From paramedic to programmer

Harris, who is a native of Chicago, worked in the Emergency Medical Services field prior to being named MIS Director. Following his studies at Northeastern University, he completed paramedic training, also at Northeastern, and became a certified paramedic. After an initial position with another ambulance company, he came to Fallon as a paramedic and was later transferred to MIS.

Harris brings a strong background in computers to his position. His wife, Elizabeth, and he founded a company that provides computer graphics and video programs for a number of high-level clients including Polaroid, the Commission for Educational Television, and the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

"We are delighted to have someone with Jim's talents as a key part of the Fallon team," said Peter Racicot, Senior Vice President of Business Development. He added, "Jim is a 'big picture' person who can anticipate hurdles and solve them before they become problems. We look forward to his continuing guidance as we refine our communications and operations systems."

Harris resides in Milton with his wife and their two children, Sam and Max.

Fallon Ambulance Service was founded in 1936 by James R. Fallon, Sr., and has remained a family operated business to this day. The founder’s son, James R. (Ray) Fallon, Jr., and five of his children have all played an integral role in the company’s operation and growth. Fallon Ambulance employs more than 400 personnel, and operates 115 vehicles. The company provides 9-1-1 service to Milton, Quincy, Brookline, Weymouth, Braintree and Dedham as well as primary backup to Boston and Randolph. Fallon Ambulance Service also provides medical transportation for a number of nursing homes, hospitals, and HMOs throughout Greater Boston. Headquarters are at 111 Brook Road, Quincy, MA 02169, and Fallon Ambulance operates satellite offices in Weymouth, Allston and Quincy, MA. A new state-of-the-art headquarters is slated for opening in Quincy in the Fall, 2004. Fallon Ambulance Service is a several-time recipient of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce’s “Success Profile,” and the “local heroes” award by the South Shore Community Action Council. For additional information about Fallon Ambulance services or programs that the company offers, contact Peter Racicot, Senior Vice President of Business Development, at (617) 745-2100, ext. 117 or visit www.fallonambulance.com.