By By Adam Prestridge
Atmore Police Department rookie officer Mike West was baptized by fire when he started work in early July.
Just over a week after the 25-year-old took up his post with the department, Hurricane Dennis ravaged Atmore.
APD chief Jason Dean was impressed with how officer West transitioned so quickly into his role with the department.
The knowledge that officer West gained while working in Orange Beach he feels helped him be able to jump in and help in Atmore before and after Hurricane Dennis struck.
West comes to Atmore Police Department by way of the Silver Hills Police Department and the Orange Beach Police Department in Baldwin County. He had a short stint with Silver Hills, but was with the Orange Beach P.D. for three years where he served as a corrections officer.
Officer West said he decided to make the move to Atmore because of the department's professionalism.
Dean believes officer West will benefit greatly from working with the APD.
Officer West went on to add that he believed the department hadn't stopped developing.
After a month and a half on the job, officer West said he has familiarized himself with the area, but has a long way before he's of veteran caliber.
Dean said he is very pleased with the progress officer West has made during his short time with the department. West is now working patrol on his own.
West was born and raised in Ohio and attended school in Marietta, Ga. before moving to Orange Beach. His mother, Louise West, is a retired superintendent of education with the Biloxi Catholic School System. He now resides in Atmore.
Officer West is engaged to his fianc/, Carleen. Her 10-year-old son, Justin, attends A.C. Moore Elementary School.