John Gonzales is Williamson County’s new Emergency Medical Services director, according to a Feb. 25 news release from the county.

The setup

Gonzales started at Williamson County EMS in September 2005 and has held a number of positions prior to being named as director almost 20 years later.

His experience at WCEMS includes:

• Field paramedic, 2005-08
• Clinical practice captain, 2008-14
• Clinical practice commander, 2014-24
• Clinical practice division commander, 2024-25

"It is my heartfelt honor to be selected as the director for Williamson County EMS,” Gonzales said in the release. “I deeply appreciate the remarkable dedication, compassion and skill of our providers, who truly make a difference in our community.”

The former director, Mike Knipstein, recently retired after 30 years of service and eight years as the WCEMS director, per a Jan. 30 news release.

Gonzales was selected from a group of four other candidates, per the release.

Career history

Gonzales served as U.S. Army medic from 1992-1998 and served in the Army National Guard at Camp Mabry in Austin from 1998-1999, according to the release. Before joining WCEMS, he worked as a clinical manager with the Austin Diagnostic Clinic from 2000-2005.

Gonzales is a licensed paramedic and EMS instructor, and a member of the:

• National Association of EMS Educators
• National Association of EMS Physicians
• National Association of EMTs

“I am genuinely excited about the future of WCEMS and remain committed to serving the citizens of Williamson County with the highest level of care and professionalism,” Gonzales said in the release.