Fire science faculty member appointed to state board

Don West

Donnie P. West, a CSU fire science faculty member, has been recently appointed to the Energy and Residential Code Board by Alabama Gov. Bob Riley. West will serve on the 17-member board as a representative of the Alabama Joint Fire Council.

The Energy and Residential Code Board will strive to create to develop and implement a standard energy and residential code regulation for areas of both county and municipal government throughout Alabama. West is honored to serve on the board as a fire service representative.

“The creation of the new Code Board is a historical event for the citizens of Alabama,” said West. “Citizens currently living in non-code compliance areas of Alabama will see a noticeable difference in building standards and life safety measures as new homes are being built throughout the state.”

West, who is the assistant fire chief for Center Point, Ala., has worked with the Center Point Fire District since 1977. His academic achievements include an associate degree in fire science from Jefferson State Community College, a bachelor’s in public safety administration from Athens State University and a master’s degree in occupational health and safety engineering from Columbia Southern University. He has received numerous certifications such as the Executive Fire Officer Program from the National Fire Academy in Maryland and Certified Chief Officer from the Commission on Fire Service Accreditation.

The purpose of the Joint Fire Council is to promote unity, cooperation, and goodwill among organizations with a direct interest in the fire service in Alabama. This council reviews all fire laws and/or bills pertaining to the fire service of Alabama.