Fairmont Firefighters - IAFF Local 318

08/20/2026

🔥Applications are available now! Stop in today at the city clerk’s office at the Weirton City Building or print one out via the link provided! 🔥

https://www.cityofweirton.com/DocumentCenter/View/3992/2026-Probationary-Firefighter-Application-Packet

08/17/2026

Today, we congratulate our brothers Lieutenant Steve Ash and Captain Bob Sliger. Captain Sliger finished his final shift on Friday after 26 years of service to the citizens of Fairmont. Lieutenant Ash is working his final shift today and will leave with 27 years of service. Both Captain Sliger and Lieutenant Ash served on the local 318 executive board during their careers. Captain Sliger served as President for multiple terms and Lieutenant Ash served as Vice President for multiple terms. Local 318 would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication to their Union Brothers through years of collective bargaining and for their commitment to protecting the citizens of Fairmont. We wish you both all the best in your retirement.

07/24/2026

🚒 The IAFF's TAIR Division recently partnered with Terrace Professional Firefighters Local 2685 to study how the department's reliance on off-duty fire fighters affects emergency response.

The results are clear: relying on off-duty to respond from home causes critical delays when seconds matter most.

Two cannot safely fight a structure fire alone. That’s why international standards call for at least four fire fighters on every engine company – and why the IAFF is fighting for across North America.

07/24/2026

CLARKSBURG — The City of Clarksburg has agreed to a $1.25 million settlement over litigation alleging it didn't pay firefighters properly.

07/23/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Fairmont Firefighters Scholarship recipients!
Fairmont Senior: Sophie Starn who will be attending Fairmont State University for exercise physiology;

East Fairmont’s Blake Ringer who will attend Fairmont State with a major in business management, and

North Marion’s Brady Carpenter who is enrolled at WVU in behavioral neuroscience. We wish all of these students the best in their education!

07/22/2026

DELAYED POST: Local 318 would like to congratulate our newest member Kode Mussleh. Kode finished his one year probation and was sworn in to Local 318 at the July 2026 meeting. Welcome to the IAFF brotherhood

07/04/2026

Today we honor Captain Okey Shaw. Captain Shaw gave his life in the line of duty for the citizens of the City of Fairmont at the age of 33 years old on July 4th 1925. Shaw was killed when a wall collapsed upon him while fighting fire at the Home Laundry Company on Fairmont Eastside. Shaw is memorialized with a plaque at the base of the flagpole at the former Eastside station in which he served as well as at the new Eastside Station in a memorial in front of the entrance.

07/01/2026

Did you know that our Local members regularly work on two man crews at Watson and East Fairmont stations?

07/01/2026

Stay Hydrated and Stay Cool. Check on your neighbors especially if they are elderly

☀️ Heat Advisory - through Friday at 10:00 PM ☀️

Marion County is expected to experience dangerous heat and humidity over the next several days. Heat-related illnesses can happen faster than many people realize, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, those without air conditioning, and people with certain medical conditions.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe:

💧 Drink water before you feel thirsty. If you’re thirsty, your body may already be getting dehydrated.

🌡️ Take time to acclimate. If you’re not used to working or exercising in the heat, gradually increase your time outdoors over several days and take frequent cooling breaks.

🌳 Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning whenever possible.

👕 Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

🌅 Schedule yard work, exercise, and other strenuous activities for the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.

💊 Know your medications. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can make it harder for your body to cool itself or increase your risk of dehydration. If you take medications regularly, be extra mindful in the heat and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

🚗 Look before you lock. Never leave children, pets, or vulnerable adults in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.

👵 Check on others. A quick phone call or visit to an older neighbor, family member, or friend could make all the difference.

🐾 Don’t forget your pets! Make sure they have plenty of fresh water, shade, and avoid hot pavement that can burn their paws.

Know the difference between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.

Heat exhaustion can often be treated by getting the person to a cool place, cooling them down, and encouraging fluids if they are awake and alert.

🚨 Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone is confused, passes out, has a seizure, or isn’t acting like themselves in the heat, call 911 immediately and begin cooling them while help is on the way.

Take a moment to review the chart below. Knowing the warning signs could help save a life.

Marion County, let’s take care of one another. Slow down, stay hydrated, check on your neighbors, and don’t underestimate the heat. Staying cool isn’t being dramatic…it’s being prepared. 🚑

05/28/2026

Congratulations Firefighters Brogan Troy and Jason Smart on completing their 3 year apprenticeship program. Brogan and Jason passed their journeyman test and completed apprenticeship training of over 6000 hours. They join their union brothers as journeyman firefighters recognized by the US department of labor, The IAFF/IAFC and the state of West Virginia.