Alan Poss

Leonard Alan Poss, City of Washington Fire Department Chief and Wilkes County Emergency Management Director, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 26th. Alan is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathy Denard Poss, daughter, Amanda Poss Battles, husband Alan and their children Will & Kathryn, son Leonard "Len" Alan Poss II, wife, Susan and their children Ruth, Boyd and Jake. He was the son-in-law of Randall and Elizabeth Denard. Alan was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Grace Williamson Poss and his brother, Dr. Ralph Elliott Poss. Born and raised in Washington, he graduated from Washington - Wilkes High School in 1969, attended Bob Jones University and received a degree from Gordon Military College. Alan began his fire career as a volunteer at the age of sixteen and became one of the first paid firefighters of the City of Washington Fire Department in 1978. He was named Chief of the department in January, 1981 and prior to that, he was the Department Training Officer. One of his greatest achievements was becoming a Georgia Smoke Diver, which represents the most elite firefighters in the state. He taught as an adjunct instructor at the Georgia Fire Academy, served as city building official for years prior to becoming Wilkes County Emergency Management Director, a position he held in conjunction with Fire Chief. During his exemplary career as both the Chief and EMA director, he served on numerous advisory committees throughout the state of Georgia. Alan loved his job because he considered helping other people his life's ministry. Alan was a member of Tignall Baptist Church, where he served in the capacity of deacon and assistant teacher of Adult II Sunday School Class. He was also a member of Gideons International. Funeral services will be conducted from First Baptist Church in Washington, GA on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. with Peter Hoffman and Dr. Bob Nash officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery with Washington Fire Dept. Chaplain Darrell Roth officiating. Visitation will be held at Beggs Funeral Home, 200 May Ave., Lincolnton, GA on Sunday August 28, 2011 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.