§ 15A-11-10 — Courtesy certification of firefighters in surrounding states to serve as volunteer firefighter

(a) It is the intention of the Legislature to permit individuals who have been certified as professional or volunteer firefighters in a state bordering West Virginia to serve as volunteer firefighters in West Virginia.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2020, the State Fire Commission shall establish a process by which a courtesy certification to serve as a volunteer firefighter in this state may be issued to any person who satisfies the following requirements:

(1) Is a certified professional or volunteer firefighter in good standing in a state bordering West Virginia;

(2) Complies with the application process and procedures established by the State Fire Commission; and

(3) Submits any required fee.

(c) Issuance of a courtesy certification shall not be withheld by the State Fire Commission based on an individual’s failure to satisfy the training requirements for volunteer firefighters set forth in legislative rules promulgated pursuant to §15A-11-9 of this code.

(d) The State Fire Commission shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1et seq.of this code to implement the provisions of this section.

(e) Any courtesy certification issued pursuant to this section may be revoked at any time if the individual’s certification in the bordering state is restricted, revoked, or otherwise expires.

(f) Any courtesy certification issued pursuant to this section must be renewed biennially.

(g) The State Fire Commission may deny, suspend, or revoke a courtesy certification if the certificate holder is, or has acted, not in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

(h) Appeals from any final decision of the Fire Commission shall be heard by the Office of Administrative Hearings pursuant to this chapter.

Legislative History

2020 Reg. Sess., SB586