The torch has passed. After seventeen years as the Fire Chief of Lavaca, Steve Helms retired in August and has passed the torch of service to fellow fireman Paul Sanders. Steve left some pretty big boots to fill. He is loved and respected by everyone who knows him.
Paul Sanders is a very capable replacement to take the position of Lavaca’s newest fire chief. He’s been on the Lavaca force since 2009. In those ten years, he has worked beneath Helms and has learned by his example.
Paul is the son of Dr. Bob Sanders and Wanda Sanders of Lavaca and Jody Martin of Sallisaw, Oklahoma. He was born in Weatherford, Oklahoma and graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1991. When at SHS, Paul was selected as the Oklahoma American Legion Boys State representative in 1990. He’s a hardworking man, doing things all over town and he’s quick to lend a hand to area activities. Paul has a daughter, Kayla, who graduated from Lavaca High School and now attends college at Stillwater, Oklahoma where she is studying Animal Science.
When asked why he became a fireman, Paul shyly responded, “I just like to help folks. The job is never dull. There are so many parts to the job of a fireman. Yeah, we fight fires but we also help to the first responders, giving medical help. We work with the city and with the people so it’s definitely interesting.”
Lavaca is in good hands with Paul Sanders watching out for us. (And ladies! He’s single!)
