Paul Ballou, Fort Scott ‘s Fire Chief, is retiring Jan. 3, 2020.

In addition to fire chief, Ballou was also made assistant city manager last year by Dave Martin, Fort Scott’s City Manager. He oversees the city’s dispatch division and occasionally helped the city’s code enforcement department, he said.

He started as a rural firefighter in May 1990 before coming to work for the City of Fort Scott’s Fire Department.

Outside of city duties, Ballou has been married to his wife Cheryl, for 41 years and they have two children and four grandchildren, he said.

“That’s one of the reasons I decided to retire,” Ballou said. “My grandkids are becoming real active in sports and plays. I spent the summer traveling with my oldest granddaughter, Maddie Ballou, in 8th grade, for softball. My oldest grandson, Able Chaplin, 4th grade, is into basketball and was in a play this year. My youngest granddaughter, Myah Chaplin, kindergarten, is into t-ball, dance and cheerleading. My youngest grandson, Dylan Ballou, has started t-ball.”

 

“My wife has a lot of stuff for me to do around the house,” Ballou said. “She’ll keep me busy for a while.”

Ballou said he had no concrete plans following retirement.

“Paul has been a servant leader to the community,” said Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin. “He has done a great job…working in all areas…of inspiring the community. He is very astute and willing to listen.”

“He will be sorely missed in the future,” Martin said.