Come Monday morning, Paris Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Bob Rast will step into a new role — Assistant Chief.
Rast, the 22-year firefighting veteran, said he was humbled and honored to be offered the position.
“I’m 53 now, and thought, ‘I can’t continue in the firefighting role, but what can I do to serve the department and community?’ Rast said.
Prior to the start of his firefighting career on Jan. 4, 1999, Rast said he served the community as a Paris ISD teacher for 10 years, teaching the Alternative Education Program. After his 10 years as a teacher, Rast said he wanted to do something to help serve the community, where he joined Paris Fire Department.
“I was looking for another option to help serve the area and figured what better way to do so,” he said.
Paris Fire Chief Thomas McMonigle, formerly assistant chief himself, said Rast has worked his way from firefighter to Deputy chief, most recently leading A-Shift.
“His education, training, and leadership abilities make him a perfect fit for the job of Assistant Fire Chief and I’m really looking forward to working with him in both our new roles,” McMonigle said. “I know without a doubt that he will prove to be an even bigger asset to the citizens of Paris than he always has been.”
“I wholeheartedly congratulate him on a well-deserved promotion.”
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