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.

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  • Kacey

    Hey! You have a point there, but it would make it easier to go to church and worship Him if the people there were encouraging. Two of my best friends are going to this church were our youth pastor started taking over Sunday services too. Now the youth lessons on Wednesday are suffering, and it just isn't fun anymore. But because they're families go there, they won't leave. But they don't want to go on Wednesday nights either. I have prayed for them, and hoped that God would help them to make the right choice for them. I really hope that choice is to come with me to my new church, but I will support them whatever they're choice may be.

    Feb 20, 2009

  • Kacey

    One of my friends just told me not to loose sight of what really matters (Jesus) when things are not going so well. I found a verse during church this Sunday, it is Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God." The angel, Gabriel told Mary this after she asked how a she could be with child. I will pray for you! Love, Kacey

    Feb 24, 2009

  • Kacey

    I hope you find a job soon! I know how hard it is right now, I have a few friends looking for work (with little luck). Keep me updated, and I will keep praying. Love in Christ! Kacey

    Feb 26, 2009