OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Oak Hill Fire Department held a special dedication ceremony Sunday, March 29, 2026, to honor the memory of firefighters who served the department with distinction and helped build its long-standing tradition.
The ceremony recognized the dedication and sacrifice of those whose names are now memorialized on a newly installed memorial board at the station.
The board, created through the efforts of retired firefighter Gayle Koone, serves as a lasting tribute to 56 members who have passed on after honorable service.
“This board contains more than names. Each name is a person who has a story, a family and a legacy. A person who sacrificed time, money, family, health and even their life, to bravely help others in need,” said Lieutenant/Chaplain Chris Gill of the Oak Hill Fire Department during the ceremony.
“These men answered their calling and served this community with honor, pride and integrity.”
Oak Hill Fire Chief Tim Richardson attended the event alongside Koone, who was recognized for both his role in creating the memorial board and his years of service to the department.
Koone expressed feeling overwhelmed with appreciation for the recognition.
The memorial installation and accompanying walkway were completed with assistance from the City of Oak Hill Parks and Recreation Department.
Members of parks and recreation, Josh Sapio and Tommy Canaday, were credited with designing and installing the structure and walkway.
The ceremony drew a large crowd, including community members and the families of the honored firefighters. Many gathered to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices made by those memorialized.
“We gathered as a community to honor the brave men and women of the Oak Hill Fire Department-past and present-whose courage, sacrifice, and dedication have helped shape and protect our city. This newly dedicated memorial stands as a lasting tribute to those who answered the call without hesitation, who put service above self, and who gave so much for the safety of others,” the City of Oak Hill said in a statement.
“It ensures that their legacy will never be forgotten. Family, friends, and community members came together not just to remember-but to say thank you. Thank you for the lives saved, the sacrifices made, and the unwavering commitment to Oak Hill. But please note that today was more than a dedication-it was a reminder that behind every call, every siren, and every uniform is a legacy of service that lives on for all of us.”
According to research conducted by Gill, the memorial is believed to be the only one of its kind in the state of West Virginia, making it a unique and meaningful addition to the community.
The dedication stands as a permanent reminder of the lives, service, and enduring legacy of Oak Hill firefighters who answered the call to serve.
