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Berkeley County unveils first county career fire academy, introduces 12 new recruits
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Summary
County officials and the fire chief introduced 12 recruits enrolled in the inaugural Berkeley County Fire Department career recruit academy; several recruits bring prior fire-service experience.
Berkeley County’s commission heard an introduction March 27 of the county’s first career fire academy and met 12 firefighter recruits who will complete the program before entering county service.
Chief Roberts and Lieutenant Seibel presented the recruit class, which the county described as the first county-run career recruit academy in West Virginia. The recruits include a mix of volunteers and career firefighters; several reported prior experience: one recruit listed 30 years of fire service, others listed 20, 13, 11, 10, 9, 8, 5, 4, 3 years, and others with prior career service in nearby jurisdictions. Speakers stressed training continuity after the academy and the recruits’ role assisting volunteer departments rather than replacing them.
Why it matters: Commissioners and county officials described the shift to 24-hour paid county firefighters as a milestone for local public safety. Commissioners said the county’s size and service area create unique needs, and paid county firefighters will support volunteer companies and reduce long response gaps for critical incidents.
Recruits introduced (name, residence and prior experience as stated to the commission): Jed Tai (Slanesville, 5 years), Roger Bradford (Moorefield, 30 years), Daniel Miller (Fountain, 20 years), Gary Huggins (Bunker Hill, 8 years; also Air Force), RJ Hahn (Charlestown, 13 years), Jesse Bly (Martinsburg, 10 years), Ashton Shambaugh (Jaredstown, 4 years), Ed Hernandez (Shenandoah Junction, 11 years), Cody Keith (Martinsburg, 9 years; Air Force), Josh Mills (Mercersburg, PA, 10 years), AJ Biller (Martinsburg, 10 years), Bodhi Fritsch (Hedgesville, 3 years).
Commissioners and the chief encouraged recruits to learn from veteran instructors and volunteer responders, stressing respect for the county’s volunteer fire services and the partnership model.
Ending: County leaders said the academy and the addition of 24-hour paid firefighters represent a significant public-safety investment. The commission offered public thanks to the recruits and training staff and welcomed the class to Berkeley County service.
