TDCI Deputy Commissioner Elected to National Board Position

NASHVILLE – The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) elected Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) Deputy Commissioner Gary West as secretary-treasurer during its annual membership meeting in Albuquerque, July 19-21. West, who oversees TDCI’s Fire Prevention Division (which includes the State Fire Marshal’s Office), was unanimously chosen by the organization’s principal membership to serve a two-year term in the board position. 

NASFM is comprised of the senior fire officials in the United States and their top deputies. It operates with the primary mission of protecting human life, property and the environment from fire and related hazards. NASFM also seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of State Fire Marshals’ operations.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve this organization and promote fire safety on both a state and national level,” said West, a NASFM board member since 2014. “It’s motivating to work alongside fellow leaders and gratifying to see the impact that work makes on enhancing public safety.”

West has led the State Fire Marshal’s Office since March 2011. He received his bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Tusculum College and a master’s degree in business administration from Lincoln Memorial University. West’s career experience includes serving as a fire and emergency services consultant with the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service, as well as fire chief of Gatlinburg Fire and Rescue Department. West currently volunteers as a firefighter with the Ashland City Fire Department. 

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