I fully concur with the majority's opinion in this case. I write separately to
applaud the majority's appreciation of the dedication to the protection of our communities
demonstrated by the volunteer fire departments involved in this case as well as its recognition
of the authority vested in the State Fire Commission to promulgate rules and regulations to
govern the provision of fire services to the citizens of this State.
First, I commend the Weirton Heights Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., and the
Weirton Volunteer Fire Department Company No. 1, Inc., and the devotion they have shown
to the communities which, for 63 years and 75 years respectively, they have faithfully
protected. Although the litigation underlying the instant appeal has been long, protracted,
and undoubtedly quite costly, it is with great admiration that I recognize the lengths to which
these volunteers have gone to safeguard their ability to serve others.
Moreover, I appreciate the efforts undertaken by the State Fire Commission
since the filing of the instant proceeding to remedy the deficit that heretofore existed in its
rules and regulations involving the dissolution of volunteer fire departments. While such
authority has clearly been vested with the Commission, it is only with clear and definite
guidelines for the exercise of such power that volunteer fire departments may be put on
proper notice of the proposed withdrawal of their certification.
Because the majority correctly addressed and resolved the issues in this case,
I respectfully concur with the opinion of the Court.