Hospital donates ballistic vests to W.Va. firefighters, medics

By News Staff

WHEELING, W.Va. — A West Virginia hospital donated 12 ballistic vests to its local fire department.

Wheeling Hospital recently presented the vests, worth about $9,000, to firefighters, paramedics and EMTs from the Wheeling Fire Department, according to a hospital statement.

“The safety of our first responders is of the utmost importance,” the hospital said in a Facebook post.

The Wheeling Fire Department had its busiest year in 2019, responding to more than 7,200 calls – a 4.5% increase from its last record.

“2019 brought on many new challenges to the WFD. We continue to see an increase in emergency medical calls and project that number to increase over time,” Fire Chief Larry Helms said in a department news release. “The department battled two of the largest fires our city has experienced in decades, responded to several crashes on various roadways in the area with police and responded to more drug overdose calls. Nonetheless, our firefighters/paramedics remain dedicated and committed to serving our city.”