Saint Paul -- Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Shanna Hanson to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regulatory Board.

Hanson, of Minneapolis, is a captain with the Minneapolis Fire Department (MFD). She has been a fire captain since 2001 and a member of the MFD since 1991. Hanson is also a member of the MFD's Honor Guard, is an assistant EMS instructor at the Hennepin County Medical Center and a rope rescue trainer with the Minnesota Technical Rescue School. Hanson replaces Bonnie Bleskachek to complete a four-year term that expires on January 7, 2008. Bleskachek resigned from the EMS Regulatory Board in January when she was sworn in as Minneapolis Fire Chief.

The Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board makes recommendations on improving access, delivery and effectiveness of the state's EMS delivery system and establishes procedures for investigating, hearing and resolving complaints against EMS providers. The board consists of 19 members, including 15 appointed by the Governor.