Chris Schulz Published

Justice Hosts Bill Signing Ceremony At Firefighter Convention

A red fire truck that reads "Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department" and "Engine 232" sits parked on asphalt, with its door open. No one is in the driver's seat, and the sky is bright but partially cloudy overhead. The Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department has helmed emergency response efforts for the Kanawha County town of Cross Lanes since 1951.
A Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department Truck
Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department
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West Virginia firefighters at their annual conference had a reason to celebrate Friday. 

Gov. Jim Justice ceremonially signed House Bill 5128 at the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association’s annual convention in Julian, WV.

“From the bottom of my heart, you are everything to us,” Justice said. “You’re the very people that we call so often. It’s off the chart. In my briefings or whatever I say, ‘Many people run to the fire.’ Well, you really run to the fire. Your bravery is unbelievable. Your sacrifice is unbelievable.”

HB 5128 automatically became law in June, 90 days after it passed out of the legislature.

It allocates $12 million annually from the state Lottery Fund to volunteer fire departments and other first responders across West Virginia. 

“It’ll put $12 million towards the great volunteer fire departments all across the state and make more good stuff happen, whether it be people or equipment or whatever,” Justice said. “It’ll save lives. It’ll save bunches of lives.” 

Emergency services across West Virginia have struggled with dwindling tax funding in recent years, leading to retention and recruitment issues.

The funds will be distributed through three mechanisms. $6 million will go through the Fire Protection Fund, to be evenly distributed to volunteer fire departments across the state to maintain and enhance day-to-day operations.

$3 million will be distributed through the All County Fire Protection Fund on a pro-rata basis according to population to fire departments across each county. The remaining $3 million will be distributed through the County Fire Protection Fund to counties with an excess levy or dedicated fee for first responder services in place. County Commissions will then allocate the funds to fire or emergency management services.