Welcome!

   On behalf of the City of Beckley Fire Department, I extend a welcome to all of our citizens and visitors alike.

   This website offers insight to the many efforts and endeavors our dedicated firefighters are involved in. It spans both emergency and non-emergency settings, involving our members and the public alike. It is a true partnership that allows us to prepare for and address the needs of the community in which we serve.

  In addition, updates will be added to keep you informed of upcoming classes, recent responses, and other changes which always occur within the BFD. Within this site, you will find detailed information concerning such subjects as:

   *Department's mission statement
   *Listing of members
   *Stations & apparatus
   *Department history
   *Training Division
   *Fire Prevention Bureau
   *Various services provided

   I encourage anyone, whether they be a citizen or visitor, to stop by any of our three stations so that we can meet you on a personal basis. We encourage you to let us know how we're doing and how we might improve the manner in which we meet the needs of those in which we serve.

   It has been said that a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Public service is truly a noble calling, and we feel privileged to play a small part of it.


Upon joining the department and beginning his career as a firefighter in 1981, Kevin Taylor ascended the ranks and assumed responsibility as a Company Officer in 1992 when promoted to Lieutenant. He served in this function until being promoted to Captain in 2000 when he was charged with overseeing the duties of the department's Fire Prevention Bureau. He held this post until his promotion to Chief of the department in February of 2004.

Chief Taylor has been certified in a number of disciplines, including all levels of Fire Officer and Fire Instructor. Chief Taylor has also completed the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer program. In addition, he serves as the WV State Director for the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs. He holds an Associates Degree in Fire Science and a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University as well as a Masters Degree in Adult and Technical Education from Marshall University. Chief Taylor is currently enrolled in the Masters Program at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security taking place at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey California.

His supportive family consists of his wife of 27 years, Pam as well as their two daughters, Kara, a student at the University of Kentucky and Krista, who attends Fairmont State University.