By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – Paul Williams has made strides as a firefighter and paramedic in the past six years, and his efforts were recognized last month at the regional level.

Williams, who is the public information officer for Chelsea Fire and Rescue, was named the Shelby County Paramedic of the Year at the Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System Annual Awards Banquet on Nov. 16 at the Pelham Civic Complex.

“I was honored and very thankful to receive the award,” Williams said. “I love doing the firefighting and paramedic stuff.”

Williams, 41, has worked at Chelsea Fire and Rescue for three years. This year, he spearheaded a public education initiative for the department to replace antiquated paper resources, such as brochures, with informational videos and to increase partnerships with local media outlets.

Williams said he thought his award stemmed from the initiative and his efforts to promote fire prevention.

“I perform every day as a paramedic, but because I was working in the realm of prevention of medical and fire, I guess they see that as contributing in a way that is bettering lives,” he said. “I believe there are tons of good paramedics all throughout the state.”

Williams has worked in the fire service for six years.

This marks his first time to receive an award from BREMSS, which covers Shelby, Jefferson, Chilton, Blount, St. Clair, Walker and Winston counties.

Williams was named “Most Outstanding Recruit” in firefighting rookie school, and he was honored as the Firefighter of the Year for Chelsea at the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 2015 Safety Awards luncheon in September.

“Paul truly has a servant’s heart and puts everyone before himself,” his wife, Betsey, said of him. “Over the past six years I have watched Paul find his true calling and that’s to serve others through the fire service.”

Prior to starting a career as a firefighter, Paul worked in radio, television and broadcasting.

He has a mass communications degree from Auburn University.

“He changed his career in his mid-30s and has never looked back,” Betsey said. “It hasn’t always been the easiest career for our family, but it has been the most fulfilling. I’ve never seen Paul happier or work harder. He never complains. He’s always grateful.”

Paul also works for the Bessemer Fire Department.

The couple and their sons, James Paul, 8, and Johnny Mac, 2, live in Birmingham.

Betsey and James Paul attended the BREMSS awards banquet with Paul, along with Chelsea Fire Chief Wayne Shirley.

“It’s fun to do this stuff,” Paul said. “Every day is something different, and at the end of the day, you feel like you’ve helped someone.”