MEDIA RELEASE: Recognizing Fire Service During National Volunteer Week

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – National Volunteer Week recognizes those who offer up their time to help others. The Office of the State Fire Marshal would like to extend an extra thank you to volunteer firefighters and invite their fellow West Virginians to do the same!

Volunteers are a crucial component of the state’s fire service. Many communities think that those who show up day and night are paid to do so, but in most instances they are not.  In fact, 97% of West Virginia’s communities rely on volunteer departments. Many other volunteers provide support through various other associations and programs.

West Virginians are encouraged to utilize the week of April 23-29 to recognize their department’s volunteers and let community members know how they can help their department by volunteering. They can stop by their community’s fire department and let them know they are appreciated and their service is noticed.

State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree says, “This week is an opportunity for us all to recognize and thank all volunteers, especially our fire service personnel who lend their time to help save others. Many times, the men and women in the fire service go unnoticed as they get calls all hours of the night, on holidays and weekends. These are extraordinary people who go above and beyond in others’ time of need.  I commend them in rendering this valiant service they unselfishly give to their community and the great people of West Virginia.”