Paso Robles fire battalion chief leaves post
Paso Robles Batallion Chief Kevin Taylor, right, oversees a training exercise.
Paso Robles Department of Emergency Services announced today the departure of long-time employee, Battalion Chief Kevin Taylor. Taylor leaves to accept the Deputy Fire Chief position with Montecito Fire Department. Taylor will start his new job on February 1.
Taylor began with the Department in 1991 as a volunteer firefighter. He was hired as a full-time firefighter two years later. He served the department in the capacities of firefighter, captain, and battalion chief. During his 12 year tenure as battalion chief, Taylor distinguished himself as a consummate emergency professional in the medical, fire, and rescue fields, says Ken Johnson, chief of the department. His contributions extended well beyond the city he served, he says.
“The loss of 24 year employee of Taylor’s caliber is a blow to the Department,” Johnson says. “This was a logical move for Kevin’s career, but I know he struggled with the difficult decision of leaving. He’s a real Roblan at heart. I wish him continued success.”
Taylor was a member of the Paso Robles Rotary Club and numerous professional organizations, typically serving in leadership capacities.Taylor also served as an assistant baseball coach for Paso Robles High School for the last seven years.
The department is budgeted for two battalion chiefs, but has operated with a single one, Taylor, since 2007, due to economic conditions. Taylor, born and raised in Paso Robles, is a graduate of Paso Robles High School. Taylor was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from Cogswell Polytechnic and is expected to receive his master’s degree from Columbia Southern University in the next few months.
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