Paul West

70, Male

Jasper, TN

United States

Profile Information:

Type of Organization
Combination Fire Rescue Department
Job Function
Fire Chief / Chief of Department
Years in Fire/EMS:
37 1/2
Years With Department/Agency
7 1/2
Other Past or Current Departments and Organizations
U.S. Air Force;
Chanute AFB, IL., Columbus AFB, MS., Dobbins AFB, GA., Castle AFB, CA., Ellsworth AFB, S.D.
Sequatchie Area (TN) Vol. Fire Dept., Jasper Vol. (TN) Fire Dept., Cobb County (GA) Police Dept., Paulding County (GA) Sheriffs Dept., Jasper (TN) Police Dept., Marion County (TN) Sheriffs Dept.
My Training:
U.S. Air Force structural and aircraft firefighting / rescue, U.S. Air Force Firefighting Instructor, Fire Investigator, Hazmat, (IFSAC )Fire Instructor III, (IFSAC)Fire Officer IV, (IFSAC)Airport Firefighter.
Tennesee Fire & Codes Enforcement Academy and Georgia P.O.S.T. Commission law enforcement training (thousands of hours combined fire & law enforcement training). Georgia certified Police Officer and Field Training Officer.
About Me:
Been in fire service and/or law enforcement most of my adult life. Was terminated for the first and only time in my life in August 2007, while serving as the first full time, paid chief of the Jasper (TN) Fire Dept. I took on a anti emergency services mayor, (not the board that created the position and hired me), after two citizens died of heart attacks with all local ambulances tied up and our trained, equipped and certified fire department was forbidden by the mayor to respond. Law suits are flying against the Town Board. My battles for fire services are known for 100 miles around.
Day Job:
Unemployed at present time
Relationship Status:
Married
Why I Joined Fire/EMS
Its in the blood.
Why I Love Fire/EMS
Its what God put inside me.
Top Issues Facing Responders:
Continued, reliable support from government going from the local level to the federal level, including citizen support.
Funding.
Manpower/manning issues.

Comment Wall:

  • Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp

    Paul, welcome to the Nation. I am glad you dropped in to join the group. Dont be shy just jump in anywhere and get your feet wet. There is lots to do, read and be involved with. Your participation and involvement is important to us all. Takes a bit to kinda figure it all out but you will be glad you did. Have fun and look around.


    Chief William Sharp
    Southern Oregon Coast

    Feb 14, 2009

  • Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp

    Paul, lol I know what you mean. Seems I am on here allot too.

    Feb 14, 2009

  • Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp

    Chief, I am so sorry for the injustice done to you. All the years of service. Sounds however that you are where your better appreciated. And they are acquiring what they deserve. I have thought about your scenario myself many times as I have seen the City treat people here with the same treatment who have served the City for many years. Ultimately we all go our separate ways but hopefully on our own terms. God placed me in the position and he will move me on out of it. I have three years to retirement and looking forward to the rest and less stress from politics. I am moving towards a position on a State Incident Management Team as a part time job after I retire. Good luck my friend in what ever comes your way. Thanks for your comments.

    Chief Sharp

    Feb 16, 2009

  • PFC Harmon

    Thanks for the add brother.

    Feb 16, 2009

  • Kacey

    Hey! I just wanted to say thank your for posting on my topic! It is great to know there are others out there that are going through just about the same thing! I just got back from youth group, (we have a new youth pastor) and it was the best! The youth group is one big family we are all friends and do just about everything with each other. We are planning a Bible study this Friday, I hope it turns out good!

    Feb 18, 2009