Paul A. Gunshol, Chief

Past Chief Paul A. Gunshol joined the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company (OVFC) in 1987 and is a Life Member.  He served on the Board of Directors in 2000 and 2003 to 2007.  He has admirably chaired or served on numerous committees, including apparatus, bull roast, membership, facilities, social, and planning.   Paul most notably improved the quality and attendance of our semiannual bull roasts.

Paul was promoted to Lieutenant in 2000 and steadily progressed in rank until he was appointed Chief in January 2008.  Due to pressing family obligations, he stepped down as Chief in February 2010.  Paul was again appointed Chief in January 2016 and served a two-year term.  He is now serving as one of OVFC’s Assistant Chiefs.  He is a MFRI certified instructor, and as Chief, he emphasized the importance of training.  He personally conducted a number of training classes and drills.  Paul also stressed the need for station and apparatus readiness and took a very hands-on approach in these areas.  He closely worked with the Board of Directors and the Anne Arundel County Fire Department to successfully deploy Medic 28 at OVFC.  Paul was also a key part of the team which oversaw a major rehabilitation of Rescue Engine 28.

During his tenures as Chief, Paul was active in the AACVFA Chiefs Committee.  He advocated for streamlining the processing of new members and for making training more accessible for volunteers.  He was part of a task force which developed County standards for equipment to be carried by ladder trucks and rescue engines.

Paul received the AACVFA Firefighter/EMT/Administrative Member of the Quarter Award in May 1999, along with five other Odenton members, for exemplary performance on an emergency incident.