Paul West's Friends

Paul West's Groups

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.

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.

At 10:12pm on February 26, 2009, Kacey said…: 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

At 6:55am on February 24, 2009, Kacey said…: 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

At 6:47am on February 20, 2009, Kacey said…: 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.

At 9:05pm on February 18, 2009, Kacey said…: 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!

At 10:41am on February 16, 2009, PFC Harmon said…: Thanks for the add brother.

At 12:42am on February 16, 2009, Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp said…: 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

At 6:13pm on February 14, 2009, Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp said…: Paul, lol I know what you mean. Seems I am on here allot too.

At 2:04pm on February 14, 2009, Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp said…: 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