The City of Port Angeles is delighted to announce the promotion of Assistant Chief Derrell Sharp to Chief of the Port Angeles Fire Department (PAFD). He will assume this new role immediately, following the retirement of Chief Ken Dubuc earlier this year.
Chief Sharp is a 30-year veteran of the fire service, with extensive training and experience in Fire Department Operations; Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Health and Safety, and Training Program Management.
He joined the PAFD as Assistant Chief of Operations & EMS in July 2021, where he oversaw the City’s Community Paramedic Program, the EMS and Fire Training Divisions of PAFD, and acted as Department Liaison to the Clallam County Medical Program Director and Department of Health. He also participated in the planning of departmental operations with respect to EMS, fire training, and volunteer activities.
Prior to his appointment as Assistant Chief, Sharp served Clallam County Fire District #3 for several years, beginning as a Volunteer Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician in 1991, and rising through the ranks to become Captain/Paramedic Medical Services and Safety Officer in 2015.
“I am truly excited to serve the City of Port Angeles in this new role and honored to lead such an incredible group of compassionate and dedicated professionals,” said Chief Sharp.
As an experienced paramedic and medical services officer, he is committed to ensuring all patients receive the highest level of care and compassion by all members of PAFD. Sharp is also dedicated to the health, safety, and professional development of his PAFD team.
“I could not be happier to share the news of Chief Sharp’s well-earned promotion. With over 30 years of experience, he has demonstrated a thorough practice of comprehensive knowledge and a strong skillset in everyday operations and emergency management. I have great confidence that Chief Sharp will continue to illustrate exceptional leadership in the Fire Department and throughout the City organization,” said City Manager Nathan West.
In addition to his challenging work in the fire service, Chief Sharp is an active member of the local community. He is currently president of the Peninsula Junior Rodeo Association, an assistant coach for the Sequim High School Trap Team, and a short-term missions director for Fairview Bible Church.
Please join us in congratulating Chief Sharp. We look forward to his leadership as he takes the Port Angeles Fire Department to the next level.
