Ahead of Raleigh County fire levy vote, fire marshall says departments now provide EMS, other services

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — City of Beckley Fire Marshall Chris Graham said on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, that the local fire department has evolved into an important part of each community, in part by hosting classes and helping during crises.

With residents saying there is an ambulance driver shortage in Raleigh County, Captain Graham said fire departments have stepped up to fill the role of emergency transport.

“We’re all (emergency medical technicians), and we’ve been running for medical calls than, probably, we have in a long time,” said Graham, who is also captain of Beckley Fire Department, the county’s largest fire professional fire department. “Other agencies are, too.

“It’s not something that we just sit around and wait for our fire call,” he added. “We run accidents, heart attacks, chest pains. You name it, we’re out on the streets running it, trying to help people as best we can.”

Raleigh County voters will decide on May 14, 2023, whether to again pass a $3.5 million tax levy to make sure the county’s 13 volunteer fire departments have operating funds.

Voters outside of the Raleigh County Courthouse on Tuesday had strong opinions.

“I’m going to vote against it,” said Thomas Milam, a voter. “The amount of call-outs I see in the community isn’t worth it. Then I look at that huge firehouse that we’ve constructed. Now, we’re spending all our money on something like that. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

Ed Bolen, another voter, said he plans to support the levy.

“It needs the funding, and without it, you know, you lose part of your protection,” said Bolen. “Very important.”

Captain Graham said the Beckley Fire Station #3, which Milam referenced, also houses Beckley Code Enforcement, allowing firefighters to streamline code and safety services.

He said some smaller departments could close down, if the levy doesn’t pass.

“It’s kind of like an insurance policy. Nobody thinks about it until there’s a problem, and if nobody comes, then they’re going to be upset because the fire departments aren’t there to respond.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.