Wheeling Fire Asst. Chief Paul Harto honored for 38 years of service

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) – Longtime Assistant Fire Chief Paul Harto of the Wheeling Fire Department was honored for his official retirement after 38 years of service to the community.

Harto is facing the West Virginia code, which requires firefighters to retire at a certain age.

City Manager Rob Herron commended his involvement in the new fire headquarters, as well as all the improvements to equipment over the years.

His colleagues attended the Wheeling City Council meeting to show their gratitude and support for all his years of service to the city.

”I just wanted to be a fireman, you know? I enjoyed helping people, and that’s all I wanted ever to do, was to help people out. It’s like a second family. You know, we go through childbirth and weddings and deaths and everything else, just like a regular family. These guys, I’m closer with some of them than some of my family.”

Assistant Chief Paul Harto – Wheeling Fire Department

The department has appointed Assistant Chief Winston West to fill the boots Harto is leaving behind, and he has been training with him for the last few weeks.

From all of us here at WTRF, we want to send our biggest congratulations and thanks for all Assistant Chief Harto has done for the community he serves.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.