One of South Whidbey’s greatest and longest serving protectors will hang up his fire hat this month.
Paul Busch, a South Whidbey Fire/EMS firefighter for 35 years, is retiring. His last official day on the job is Dec. 31.
The man joined the department in 1978, and over three and a half decades he’s fought fires, responded to car accidents, natural disasters, been witness to tragedy and miracles and likely saved a few cats in trees. He’s also seen and trained hundreds of volunteer firefighters over the years and, like most in his line of work, is quick to write off his own accomplishments and give credit to others.
“I’ve seen (volunteers) come and I’ve seen them go,” Busch said. “They’re the ones the community really needs to thank.”
Busch, 69, has served as a volunteer firefighter, training officer, and assistant fire chief for the department. He’s overseen training of volunteers, vehicle maintenance, and the marine division program. Jason Laughren from Palm Coast Fire Department in Florida was hired last month to take his place.
Laughren will start his new position on Jan. 1.