Steven Byers

The commission addressed various reports, including inspections, investigations, and operations updates. Key discussions involved recruitment and retention strategies for fire services, the pending changes to OSHA Emergency Response Standards, and a strategic initiative to reduce the state's fire death rate through education and data-driven recommendations. Several administrative actions were taken, including the approval of temporary fire officer certifications, fire chief applications, and the recertification of multiple fire departments. Additionally, the commission reviewed and acted on disciplinary matters, including finding probable cause for specific complaints, and tabled items related to boundary area adjustments for local fire departments and NFPA 1010 standards.

The document details multiple meetings held on December 4th and December 3rd, 2025, involving the main Commission and several sub-committees (Fire Department Services, Disciplinary, Legislative Codes, OSHA Emergency Response Standard, and Training). Key discussions included Marshal Tyree's reports on inspections, legislative updates, and AFFF disposal, for which vendor quotes are pending. Committee reports covered ongoing matters such as the Division of Forestry's cooperative efforts, grant applications, and clarification on WV §21-6-2 regarding Junior Firefighters. The Fire Department Services Committee recommended approval for several Fire Chief applications (excluding one pending a hearing outcome) and recommended recertification for numerous fire departments based on standard reviews and perfect evaluations. The Disciplinary Committee recommended the Fire Marshal's Office handle a specific complaint (FDC 2025-030) without further Commission action. The Training Committee tabled discussion on the NFPA 1010 Support Personnel Standard pending further comparison with Module 1 requirements. The main Full Commission Meeting addressed the committee recommendations, including approving most Fire Chief applications and recertifications, and concluding with the Election of Officers for 2026, naming Grant Gunnoe as Chairman, Doug Mongold as Vice Chairman, and Ted Shriver as Secretary.

The primary item of business was the hearing regarding FDC2025-029 concerning the Decertification of Smithers VFD. Testimony included a summary of the investigation, statements of charges, and letters from Fayette County Commission Counsel and neighboring Fire Chiefs supporting decertification. The Mayor of Smithers presented the department's reorganization plans and requested a six-month deferral instead of immediate decertification, noting a change in the city council's stance. Following testimony, the Commission entered and exited executive session. Ultimately, the Commission voted to revoke the Certification of the Smithers VFD, effective immediately, with a Final Written Order to follow regarding the appeal process. The meeting adjourned at 2:30pm.

The official business meeting included a moment of silence and recognition for the late Chief James S Richmond, and recognition for various departments and firefighters for their heroic efforts during a technical rescue incident in Mason County. Divisional reports covered Inspections, Plan Review, Investigations, and Operations, noting the upcoming sunset provision for the State Building Code. Committee reports addressed several items, including the recommendation to approve temporary Fire Officer Certifications and numerous Fire Chief applications. The Fire Department Services Committee also recommended recertification for several fire departments and tabled a motion regarding boundary adjustments between Boomer VFD and Montgomery VFD due to terrain concerns. The Disciplinary Committee recommended that no Fire Commission action was needed for several complaints, but recommended finding probable cause for one specific complaint (FDC 2025-035). The Legislative Codes Committee discussed addressing the WV Fire Death Rate through education and recommending solutions to the Legislature. The Recruitment and Retention Committee discussed a round table event concerning recruitment strategies, including potential stipend and vehicle plate legislation, and noted low awareness among youth regarding volunteer firefighting roles. The Training Committee received updates on upcoming events like the Escape Conference and Fire School, and noted Senator Capito's interest in appropriate training regarding OSHA standards. The Full Commission session handled unfinished business, approving the temporary Fire Officer Certifications and the Fire Chief applications, approving recertifications, and tabling the boundary map consideration. The Commission also determined that no further action was required on several disciplinary cases while finding probable cause on FDC 2025-035.

The meeting included Unfinished Business, specifically the Discussion and Consideration of the WV Fire Prevention and Control Plan. This involved a discussion led by Chairman Gunnoe regarding the WV Fire Death Rate. No New Business items were addressed.