FLATWOODS, W.Va. — West Virginia’s new state fire marshal wants to increase the exposure of the office in the area of fire prevention.
“I would really like to ramp up the public service announcements in all formats to get out to the general public,” Tony Carrico told MetroNews Monday just after the state Fire Commission chose him as state fire marshal. “Ranking third nationally statistically per capita for fire deaths almost every year is totally unacceptable.”
Carrico, 46, is a Boone County native and a veteran of the state Fire Marshal’s Office since 1992. He’s served as interim marshal since Sterling Lewis retired in April 2013.
Carrico said some say West Virginia’s social-economic status has a lot to do with the number of fire deaths. He admitted there are some challenges.
“We smoke a lot in this state. We drink a lot in this state. Our construction standards in some cases, as far as residential, leave a lot to be desired in a lot of places.”
As fire marshal Carrico will be charged with coming up with a comprehensive plan when it comes to volunteer firefighters in the state. He said he looks forward to working with various services and groups on that issue.
Carrico said he doesn’t necessarily believe his office needs new funding to hire extra staff. He said he would rather better compensate the current staff.
“I don’t feel adding more personnel is the direct answer. I think we need to take care of the people we have,” Carrico said. “I have a very dedicated and loyal staff who are in it for the right reason. It’s being able to take care of those people properly.”
Carrico’s first day as permanent fire marshal is scheduled for Oct. 16. The fire commission made its decision Monday during a meeting in Flatwoods.