[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6200147,"mediaKeyId","3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301","parentId",3818732,"title","Berkeley County approves MOUs to establish full‑time professional firefighters at volunteer stations","audioSeconds",325,"startMs",6467000,"endMs",6792000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301&start=6467&end=6792","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301/thumbnail_6467000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6200147/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Berkeley-County-approves-MOUs-to-establish-fulltime-professional-firefighters-at-volunteer-stations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200147-58b5940cf08c8bf7a62426fe3884ec82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148234&Signature=GKLmpxBOdHeiDaVb6hL5ny779PMBg7HI~IFE4EI6eFvL5Snwb9mOgOJ23SWY4BAK~3zTKGF7048bZIcmt-gFQegJ8kMClFAFtfhcJDQJu2r8HreN0BNpy~PPFL7zlR4nP6qDNV6Lr7Q8Yz23lLtRfs51xV2XNfpn2PX4f9wPwfU3a5x5qaHkEePN7Ns0QZfnBEAwLVQ0eGhh4mnRHl0vHrzbyxXVnfz9rnKagqO5HKR0N34CWkjaKeC8HRcIg~9rOnVKBumXQyQ7xSTHNtgmcJgIqQvX9J2C0sg9FWDIOnr8N7wfrX8kcKqd6cJnoD5I7JrQpksKMjiThRqpVPOGIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-13T03:39:03Z","article","The Berkeley County Commission approved memoranda of understanding to deploy professional, full‑time firefighter staffing at the county’s five volunteer fire stations beginning July 1.

County staff and commissioners described the multi‑party MOUs as the final administrative step needed to ensure 24‑hour professional firefighter coverage at each volunteer station. Staff said the MOUs had been reviewed by legal counsel and accepted by the volunteer chiefs and fire‑company presidents; the commission moved to approve and authorized the commission president to sign.

County Administrator Gary told the commission the arrangement would “ensure that July 1, when they dial 911, they get a professional firefighter morning, noon, night, holiday, weekend.” Commissioners and staff said the agreement represents months of work by the county, the volunteer fire companies, the fire service board and the fire board’s leadership, and includes financial participation from the fire board and other local funding plans. Several commissioners praised the coordination and noted that the county has pursued multiple funding sources — including a recent commercial fire fee and impact fees — to support capital and operational needs tied to the expansion of career staffing.

The MOUs were presented as part of the county’s broader public‑safety strategy, which includes applying for federal SAFER grants and budgeting for additional recurring personnel costs. Commissioners said the agreements consolidate the volunteer departments’ operational and administrative responsibilities with the county’s career staffing plan and that each volunteer station will retain local leadership while receiving career coverage for emergency response.

The commission approved the MOUs by voice vote with commissioners saying “Aye.” Staff will proceed to execute the documents and coordinate onboarding, payroll, and scheduling details with the volunteer departments and the fire board. Officials said some implementation details and minor administrative issues may be resolved in coming weeks but emphasized the decision establishes countywide 24‑hour professional fire coverage for the first time.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Berkeley County Commission Meeting 6/12/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Berkeley County Commission approved memoranda of understanding to deploy professional, full‑time firefighter staffing at the county’s five volunteer fire stations beginning July 1.","taxTitle","Berkeley County, West Virginia","taxId",58957,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6200152,"Berkeley County adopts revised towing policy under state code",653,2879000,3532000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301&start=2879&end=3532","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301/thumbnail_2879000.jpg","/articles/6200152/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Berkeley-County-adopts-revised-towing-policy-under-state-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200152-04f46f3e8843f91f30c64e7c338e22fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148234&Signature=XPqqJJI0FDgVPD3fn1io84~ccKBXBOVWIrIHsWAwnp5wt0lk2nVHGtduPkF2qh8gMIE1q8kjKWgdWQsqvUrtQmUfWfSHAmfnSB8wg-sUcJ4eAIO9q4EaXA64-DkMMImwcIlhITLnchbGulZn0C3GH7eiL3Pz8W~4gONJZibN5YRP0jRQX8bpQo5bBiSRaNWIfBVCCHldo~J9S5OQrUpFgN6fyEArFZjj1bARwnNkQg18HMpaKfl44Xq6KXFTBqGb9pnEaAqZB79XdETlz8cNx5qo7BoKC6HuA36LrR-f-Su~KwabOQsbF5RH89oQIudq5AwGcUBS8PGAZsKdO8n-sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Berkeley County Commission adopted a revised county towing policy after a staff presentation and discussion of procedural safeguards for towing companies.

Deputy legal director Jeff Mausey told the commission that the West Virginia State Code requires counties to adopt and periodically revise a towing policy, and that the sheriff’s office administers the county’s towing list and rotation. “The West Virginia State Code requires the county commission to adopt and periodically, revise, look at, and reapprove, towing policy for the county to be used,” Mausey said during his presentation.

Mausey and county staff described the update as a rewrite of an older policy that adds industry‑standard requirements and a process for sanctioning a towing vendor if the sheriff’s office identifies violations or unsafe practices. The revised policy allows the sheriff to suspend or remove a tow company from the rotation for regulatory or criminal violations, and it requires applicants to demonstrate appropriate equipment and facility capacity before being placed on the county list. Mausey said the draft was prepared with input from the sheriff’s office, 9‑1‑1 dispatch, and other local staff.

Commission discussion covered how the 9‑1‑1 center maintains a rotation and that motorists may still choose a private tow vendor at the scene. Commissioners asked whether the policy imposed onerous new burdens on towing companies; staff replied the revisions track industry best practices and are not intended to be punitive. Commissioners also asked about a grievance or appeal process; Mausey said the policy sets out steps and is not designed for ad hoc removals and that the sheriff and county would work through issues with affected companies.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt the towing policy as presented; the commission voted by voice and the motion carried with commissioners saying “Aye.” Mausey said staff would draft a letter the sheriff’s office can send to previously listed towing companies explaining the updated policy and the application process.

The commission noted the West Virginia State Police and municipalities may use other towing arrangements; county policy governs towing companies on the county’s rotation for incidents the county handles.

Implementation: the sheriff’s office will notify companies and operate the application and site‑inspection process required by the policy. The county will return to the commission for future updates as needed.","The commission adopted an updated county towing policy drafted by the deputy legal director and reviewed with sheriff's office staff; the policy creates steps for suspending or removing towing companies from the county rotation and codifies standards for equipment and facilities.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6200157,"Berkeley County to apply for COPS, SAFER grants to expand sheriff and fire staffing",1482,4740000,6222000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301&start=4740&end=6222","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301/thumbnail_4740000.jpg","/articles/6200157/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Berkeley-County-to-apply-for-COPS-SAFER-grants-to-expand-sheriff-and-fire-staffing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200157-48a3cbaa80fe1d7aaa861dc514665fc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148234&Signature=BEEm1cdzW9kH9qodkdRSfmZqy2WBgbmqSdMcU~~68T59INq4JQfAO-VCZ~Ux1Q9gfBD12a28~uSyd6Qe6C2GN3GrHbFeuJlStHsbwqs~UxiPUb-qQUJjMkE6~NISaPhiY1MGOQh9jSV~L5QMz6Ab6F21mer5LP5EeS~aEM6mjaPy2FZM76FJtfKU~Xyk4mhJrzCCwwVcr4nDUKaSJ7Ovw47-81qn1q9ecQxQhdVjNx2W8-3tXlqYEx~y1hNtd7WT9sZ5wMVbdolROa8qvFG27wAFjWbUsSo0o6HtLqH0-EQRS04pUxkuOEDYBH-muXW~zpdKGaAeTIxocdgHPFN3mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Berkeley County Commission voted to apply for two federal hiring grants that would add sworn patrol deputies and career firefighters to county public safety forces.

The commission approved applying for a U.S. Department of Justice COPS Hiring Program grant to fund five deputy sheriff positions and a FEMA SAFER grant to hire up to 12 firefighters. County staff and commissioners said the grants would cover a portion of compensation during the grants’ terms, but the county would be responsible for larger recurring costs after federal funding ends.

County officials said the COPS application requests five deputy positions under a 36-month award; the grant provides a fixed per-officer amount over the grant life and requires a 25% local match. Chad Womberg, deputy county administrator, said the DOJ award figure used in the application is $125,000 per officer over the life of the grant and that the county’s post‑grant obligation for the five deputies would be about $674,468. “I think this is the time we've ever went into these grants with the picture quite so clear as to, you know, what the actual dollars are, across the entire life of the grant,” Womberg said.

On the fire side, the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) application the county will submit asks for 12 firefighters. The county estimated all‑in compensation at $83,591 per firefighter. Under the FEMA formula presented to the commission, the grant would pay most of the three‑year cost while the county share would step up over time; the total grant and match for the three‑year period was shown in staff materials, and commissioners were told annual recurring costs after the grant ends would be about $1,003,092 for the 12 positions. County staff said the SAFER award schedule varied year to year; this cycle’s formula covers 75% in years one and two and 35% in year three for the positions requested.

Commissioners and staff framed the applications as part of multi‑year efforts to strengthen public‑safety staffing. County Administrator Gary (last name not stated in the transcript) and other commissioners noted the county has been increasing public‑safety capacity and that winning the grants would help accelerate hiring. Gary told the commission the board should plan budget growth into future years because the county will be “on the hook” for the recurring costs when grant funding ends.

The commission moved to approve submitting both grant applications and voted to authorize staff to proceed; the vote was recorded by voice and carried with the board saying “Aye.” Staff said award notifications would arrive from federal agencies later in the year if Berkeley County is selected; DOJ awards commonly arrive by late summer and FEMA’s SAFER announcements are released in waves over a period of weeks.

If awarded, staff said the sheriff would prioritize filling the grant‑funded deputy positions among upcoming vacancies so the federal funding period would apply to the new hires. For SAFER, staff said the county would place hires where the fire department identified the greatest need and that the volunteer fire service board and county would share implementation and long‑term costs as described in grant materials.

Next steps: county staff will complete and submit the applications, monitor federal award announcements, and return to the commission if awards are made or if staff requests further direction on match or equipment funding.","The Berkeley County Commission voted to apply for a U.S. Department of Justice COPS hiring grant to fund five sheriff deputies and a FEMA SAFER grant to add up to 12 career firefighters; both applications require local matches and would increase recurring personnel costs after the federal funding ends.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6200137,"Berkeley County approves end‑of‑year budget revisions, transfers and consent agenda items",5871,552000,6423000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301&start=552&end=6423","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301/thumbnail_552000.jpg","/articles/6200137/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Berkeley-County-approves-endofyear-budget-revisions-transfers-and-consent-agenda-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200137-9a83498005908b147c88d3e533667156/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148234&Signature=nPsREylUD4fnjhqc11tH3i12vh4MW6Wk-pAFoSt5~g4v9uJ-0SDG0lv6CJ~j-DkKjah40ex7FINB2sz0GOLXf4gm5k6DV6BZgopZdJg-bGetQzZoykeosblqUcypPuWnjniLZM~3rWufHK3100Sy7TB84popKbKoAcBcwk18Y02rb2Ae1v957TGs8x2SD79a3dr085IA8jAZgrF~qVX~9gNLhOkRVK4cHX3CVK~rhmAZlMgFeE5uKAgYxdMm6mbJQxRGx5mYRmeibh6L3OH~2YOhIy1vRP8imGiwGli-mSEk6kkA0yH~XPFZbmD3a3tZAsYpNy7Z7ujLZF6WSF1ZUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Berkeley County Commission approved a slate of end‑of‑year budget transfers, consent agenda items and a final state budget revision to account for newly received reimbursements and grant receipts.

County Administrator Gary walked the commission through a series of line‑item transfers across county accounts tied to fiscal‑year‑end housekeeping and maintenance contracts for equipment and voter registration machines. “You have $244,009 to assume,” Gary told commissioners when presenting the final state budget revision; staff identified a $50,000 receipt from a partial Pfizer settlement and $194,009 from other reimbursements and grant draws.

Specific transfers discussed and placed on the record included multiple departmental adjustments: County Commission (Account 401) moved $1,500 into training; Assessor moved $200 into materials and supplies; Extension Service moved $5,000 into materials and supplies; Court Security moved $100 from materials to travel and another transfer of $2,300 to training; Courthouse account moved $600 from professional services to insurance and bonds. The voter registration maintenance contract generated multiple transfers totaling roughly $67,000 shifted into a maintenance/repair equipment line. The sheriff requested an $8,000 transfer from uniform supplies into professional services. Staff described these as routine fiscal‑year closing transfers to match expenses and contracts.

Earlier on the consent agenda, staff noted a three‑year sheriff’s grant of $122,000 to combat domestic violent extremism through training programs and said the award carries no local match. Also on the consent agenda were bond reduction paperwork for Red Hill Phase 1 (engineer Doug Smith recommended the reduction) and a letter of endorsement permitting a private family event to serve alcohol at the VFW grounds. Commissioners approved the consent agenda by voice vote.

County staff then presented the final state budget revision, identifying the $244,009 in additional receipts and a set of proposed allocations: $26,400 to fiduciary supervisor account; $123,000 to circuit court/court security salaries; $10,000 to building inspections; $35,000 to federal grants; $42,000 to the fire department for overtime and uniforms; $68,600 to transport (grant reimbursements); and $19,000 to debt service for vehicle outfitting. The commission moved to adopt the state budget revision; the motion carried by voice vote with commissioners saying “Aye.”

Implementation: staff will post the approved transfers, update accounting entries, and proceed with contracts and maintenance purchases tied to the revised allocations. County staff said there should be a light purchase‑order load in the final weeks of the fiscal year following the revisions.","At its meeting the commission approved end‑of‑year transfers and a final state budget revision covering $244,009 in newly realized revenues and reimbursements, multiple line‑item moves across county accounts, a three‑year sheriff's grant of $122,000 and several routine consent items including minutes and letters of endorsement.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6200142,"Community shelter group Camp Esri seeks support; county staffers connect fundraiser and grant help",725,2151000,2876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301&start=2151&end=2876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3818732-ebe23b3a5ef6872b56263ecae580d301/thumbnail_2151000.jpg","/articles/6200142/Berkeley-County/West-Virginia/Community-shelter-group-Camp-Esri-seeks-support-county-staffers-connect-fundraiser-and-grant-help","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200142-4a7c20c0cd311000dde4d560ff5cfc6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771148234&Signature=UaAjgTrdu8jBwFEevN3~1zSCNmQ4~Hphn3e5jyQV3gfI7vVNLcD-NxYBp5m8TNzhYq3Y5zcBk9A0iSZtvdJ-sZp~aFqonZOFco2KxT2RpIvq-TYAFnZ5nnpyMmDll6hSmZVtZ1uj4fRFZUt7WLbofO5gXopxCbT99sql1tye8Amukkd0DJQeLDT-yh6sUMIxl1CbMjNRE3LWUZscp-mPVa~clmGqOCLYL~xSfA1l7~f1t87MJBVh8C~orcDXxHZR0Hv28idNtw5X2VMXi8OX0fGAUUekLwLoaU4SSrU9DYctdUgGnpyD5YTAfIk1plACHKmRFW53fwyVgk4PBaGrvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tim Zia, director of community corrections, briefed the Berkeley County Commission on Camp Esri, a faith‑based residential camp on Panther Lane that provides week‑long programs for children referred primarily by law enforcement.

Zia described Camp Esri as a small program that runs single‑sex week‑long camps for 9–12 year‑olds with a high volunteer‑to‑child ratio and faith‑based programming. “I think there's extraordinary value in what they're doing at this camp,” Zia said after touring the property. He said the camp limits each session to about 10 children with at least one adult volunteer per child, operates with donated volunteer labor, and relies on networked law‑enforcement referrals from nearby Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Zia said the camp’s operator, Damon Albert, purchased the property roughly five years ago, lives on site, and has built a bunkhouse, pavilion and trails. Zia described activities, on‑site lodging and a lodge concept that would allow the camp to host trainings or conferences to generate long‑term revenue. He told the commission that the roadway (Panther Lane) back to the site is in poor condition and estimated a relatively modest cost to improve it.

County staff and community partners are coordinating local support: Zia said the Steely Foundation and a Bunker Hill restaurant (owner Brandon DeHaven) planned a fundraiser where proceeds from hot‑dog sales would be matched by the foundation; the restaurant’s goal was $10,000. Zia also said he intends to assist with a grant application to the West Virginia First Foundation to fund a road improvement and other needs.

Commissioners asked how children are referred and whether judicial referrals occur; Zia said referrals are primarily through law enforcement and that the program is still building relationships with other local agencies. No formal county action was required or taken; commissioners thanked Zia and encouraged public support for the fundraiser and outreach to the camp.","Tim Zia, community corrections director, briefed commissioners on Camp Esri, a faith‑based residential camp serving children exposed to trauma; commissioners and staff discussed local fundraising and plans to pursue grant support for road improvements and a lodge on the property.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Berkeley County approves MOUs to establish full‑time professional firefighters at volunteer stations

Berkeley County adopts revised towing policy under state code

Berkeley County to apply for COPS, SAFER grants to expand sheriff and fire staffing

Berkeley County approves end‑of‑year budget revisions, transfers and consent agenda items

Community shelter group Camp Esri seeks support; county staffers connect fundraiser and grant help