Chris Cannon, Paramedic
EMS Program Director and Department Chair, Cowley College

Chris currently serves as the EMS Program Director and Department Chair at Cowley College, while also acting as Fire Chief/Paramedic for Cowley County Fire District #3. Born and raised in Burden, Kansas, Chris resides there with his wife Mandy and their children, Libby and Max.

Chris graduated from Cowley College’s first paramedic program in 1997 and has since worked with Butler County EMS and Winfield Area EMS. He continues to practice as a paramedic with Cowley County Fire District #3. His career with Cowley College began in 1998 as a part-time EMT and paramedic lab assistant, eventually transitioning to a full-time faculty role and becoming the EMS Program Director in 2008.

EMS runs deep in Chris’s family. Growing up in Burden’s volunteer fire department, he was surrounded by first responders, including his father, grandfathers, and extended family. His uncle, a paramedic and fire captain, further inspired him. While originally preparing for medical school, Chris found himself in an EMT class in 1995 and has been dedicated to EMS ever since.

In 2023, Chris was elected as Chair of KEMSA’s Educator Society. He was motivated to join the association’s leadership by the impressive work the board was doing to improve Kansas EMS. For him, the association plays a critical role in giving EMS providers in Kansas a strong voice at both state and national levels.

Among KEMSA’s activities, Chris particularly enjoys the annual conference, where EMS providers from across the state gather to learn, network, and collaborate.

Three interesting facts about Chris include:

• He has eclectic musical tastes that range from 90s alternative to Kendrick Lamar.
• He is a dedicated long-range rifle and 3-gun shooter.
• He has been married to his wife Mandy for 25 years.

His passion for EMS, education, and community engagement further highlight his dedication to strengthening the profession for future generations.