Fire Department

Larry Helms, Chief of Department

Department History

In 1869, City Council passed an ordinance creating and regulating a partially paid fire department. Prior to this act that acknowledged firefighting as a profession, the City was protected through the use of fire brigades in the early 1800’s and volunteer fire departments from 1830 to 1869. The department became fully paid in 1892.

Today, the City of Wheeling’s Fire Department provides comprehensive emergency, fire prevention and administrative services. These services involve fire suppression, fire safety inspections, fire cause investigation, public education, public service, advanced emergency medical service that includes patient transport, first response to hazardous materials incidents, and specialized rescue service. All first response personnel are nationally certified Emergency Medical Technicians and twenty percent of personnel are nationally registered Paramedics.

Wheeling’s firefighters are always striving to provide the highest level of service to the community. In doing so, they are constantly challenging themselves to determine and define current and future needs. The Wheeling Fire Department is proud of its members and accomplishments. The working environment where contemporary firefighters perform will continue to change. Through public education, firefighter training, strategic community partnerships and commitment to customer service, the Wheeling Fire Department will continue to be successful in the future.