Title
To recognize Fire Chief Gregory A. Paxton, in Honor of his 34 years of Distinguished Service with the Columbus Fire Department
Body
WHEREAS, Chief Paxton, a lifelong resident of Columbus, graduated from Bishop Watterson High School in 1971, received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1975, and a master’s degree from OSU’s School of Public Policy in 1998, and is currently a doctoral student in OSU's Fisher's College of Business; and
WHEREAS, Chief Paxton began his distinguished career of service to the Columbus Division of Fire in March of 1981; and
WHEREAS, Chief Paxton worked a number of different engine and ladder assignments, as well as paramedic assignments, before being promoted to lieutenant in 1988. Chief Paxton’s exemplary service led to a series of promotions; 1991 to captain, to battalion chief in 1994, to deputy chief in 2000, and to assistant chief in 2002. As an assistant chief, he served as the city’s fire marshal, the chief of the training bureau, and as the executive officer - second in command of the Division of Fire. Paxton’s steady leadership led to his appointment as Fire Chief on June 6, 2012; and
WHEREAS, Chief Paxton co-authored an article entitled “Aspects of Strategic Change in State Government” which was printed in the Encyclopedia of Public Administration and Public Policy; and
WHEREAS, The Columbus Division of Fire has presented Chief Paxton with a Distinguished Service Award, two Battalion Chief Commendation Awards, and a Bronze Maltese for Bravery; and
WHEREAS, Chief Paxton has championed policy that has updated the safety of firefighters of the Columbus Fire Division and brought increased efficiency to the Division; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career Chief Paxton has always made it a practice to perform volunteer work and philanthropy for the good of all as a member of the Charity Newsies, the Shamrock Club, and the Emerald Society. Currently a board member for the Columbus Urban League and ...
Click here for full text