Firefighters from every corner of West Virginia converged on the state’s Fallen Firefighter Memorial Sunday to pay tribute to three officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. The ceremony honored Danville Volunteer Firefighter Steven Griffith, who served the community for nearly five decades before his passing in 2025, as well as J. Gregory Hinzey and Matthew McGovern of the Wheeling Fire Department.
Remembering a local hero
Lieutenant Anthony Runyon of the Danville Volunteer Fire Department spoke about Griffith’s lasting impact. “When I first started, there were many interested young people, but today it’s harder to attract new volunteers,” Runyon said. “Steven was an inspiration. He always treated newcomers with respect and tried to bring fresh energy into our firehouse whenever he could.”
Runyon recalled how Griffith treated the firehouse children like his own grandchildren, often staying behind to watch them while the crew responded to calls. “He was a huge part of our department, around the families, and always made sure the kids felt cared for,” Runyon added.
A tribute to all fallen firefighters
The memorial’s bronze statue, erected 32 years ago, bears the names of West Virginia’s fallen firefighters. Chuck Runyon, a representative of the West Virginia Fallen Firefighters organization, explained its purpose: “It provides a place where their memory will always be honored.” He urged attendees to pause whenever they hear a fire truck’s lights and siren, saying, “Say a little prayer for them. They’re out there helping someone, and you never know when they might not come home.”
A statewide brotherhood
Firefighters traveled from Danville, Wheeling, Charleston, and numerous smaller towns to stand together. Runyon described the gathering as a testament to the brotherhood that binds West Virginia’s fire service. “No matter where you go, when something happens, they’ll always do their best to take care of you,” he said. “Here in West Virginia, that bond is stronger than in many places.”
Continuing the legacy
The memorial service underscored the importance of recruiting the next generation of volunteers. While the fire service faces challenges in attracting young people, the stories shared at the ceremony highlighted the enduring values of service, sacrifice, and community that inspire future firefighters.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees were invited to leave flowers and notes at the base of the statue, ensuring that the names of Griffith, Hinzey, McGovern, and all fallen West Virginia firefighters remain visible to the public for generations to come.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
