Major West earned his Basic Law Enforcement Training certification through Brunswick Community College in 1998. In 1999, Major Israel West began his law enforcement career when he was sworn in as a full-time deputy with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. Major West’s first assignment was working in the Detention Facility and then as a School Resource Officer. Major West found a passion for drug investigations and was soon promoted to Drug Agent in early 2001. Major West worked as a Drug Agent for several years until being promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2009 within the Vice and Narcotics Unit. In 2011 Major West was promoted to Lieutenant of the Vice and Narcotics Unit. Major West left the Vice-Narcotics Unit and worked as a Major Case Investigator and Unsolved Case Investigations. In August of 2022 Sheriff Ingram promoted Lt West to the rank of Major where he is currently assigned as the Bureau Commander of the Investigations Bureau. This Bureau consists of Criminal Investigations, Vice-Narcotics, Unsolved Case Investigations, Criminal Intelligence Unit, Special Operations Unit, GHSP Enforcement Unit and Drone Operations.

Throughout his career, Major West has received numerous honors and awards. Through the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Major West has earned Master Deputy Status, received several Commendations to include the Life Saving Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Unit Citations, and Deputy of the Year in 2003. Major West is a U.S. Army Veteran having served as an infantryman in the Republic of Panama.