Donna Wade - Fairmont City Council District 5

08/30/2026

I’ve been in a lot of conversations about this over the last few days, and I want to clarify something because I think two separate issues have gotten blended together.

My original post was meant to explain why I support WV Code §61-5-31 from the perspective of someone who has worked in EMS for 21 years.

I did say in that post that the proposed ordinance language comes from West Virginia Code, but I don’t think I clearly explained what that means or clearly separated why I support the state law from why I support the City ordinance.

West Virginia Code is state law. WV Code §61-5-31 already exists. It is already law, and it is already enforceable. Fairmont is not creating the 30-foot law.

I’m passionate about first responder safety, most of my original post focused on why I support the substance of that law and why I believe first responders need the ability to safely perform their duties without interference or threats. In the discussions that followed, I think that made it sound like Council was debating whether to create this law in Fairmont.

We are not.

Even if Fairmont City Council does not pass this ordinance, WV Code §61-5-31 still remains state law and can still be enforced under West Virginia law.

My reason for supporting the City ordinance is much simpler. It allows Fairmont to adopt that existing state law into our municipal code so violations occurring within the City can be processed through the City’s municipal system.

I support WV Code §61-5-31 and explained why in my original post.

I also support Fairmont adopting that existing law into City code so it can be handled locally.

The City is not creating a new law or a new rule that does not already exist. The law is already here. The ordinance is about how Fairmont can process it.

I wanted to clarify that because I think the two conversations got rolled into one, and I want people to understand exactly what council is considering.

08/28/2026

Hey everyone, I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about something that was on the agenda at this past Tuesday’s Fairmont City Council meeting and share the perspective I bring to it.

Council heard the first reading of a proposed ordinance regarding a 30-foot safety area around first responders while they are lawfully performing their duties. The language comes from West Virginia Code §61-5-31, and I support it.

For anyone who may not know my background, I have been a first responder for 21 years. I joined Marion County Rescue Squad as a volunteer in 2005 and became paid staff in 2006, and I am still serving with MCRS today. EMS has been my career, and that experience has given me a very real understanding of how quickly emergency scenes can change and how important it is for responders to have room to safely do their jobs.

Some of the calls we respond to are scary. I have had a gun pointed at me while doing this job. I have been physically pushed on scenes. I have been in situations where a call that seemed routine changed in seconds, and I was scared not only for my own safety, but for the safety of the person standing beside me.

Those experiences are part of the perspective I bring to this discussion.

I know there have been concerns raised about the First Amendment, recording first responders, and whether this creates a blanket 30-foot rule.

Simply being within 30 feet is not, by itself, a violation.

A first responder has to be lawfully performing an official duty. A person must first receive a verbal warning not to approach. They then have to knowingly and willfully ignore that warning while interfering with the responder’s ability to perform their duties, or threatening or menacing them with physical harm.

That distinction is important.

Someone standing nearby watching, recording, speaking, protesting, or disagreeing with a first responder is very different from someone entering an active working area and interfering with an emergency response.

From the EMS side, there are times when we are trying to treat a critically ill patient, protect their privacy, manage someone who is confused or in crisis, or provide lifesaving care. Firefighters may be working around fire, smoke, unstable structures, extrication equipment, or hazards that are not obvious to someone nearby. Law enforcement may be securing a dangerous scene, preserving evidence, directing traffic, or dealing with an active threat.

Many times, all three services are working together on the same scene.

Think about a serious vehicle crash. Firefighters may be trying to free someone from a damaged vehicle, EMS may be providing lifesaving treatment, and law enforcement may be trying to control traffic and keep the scene safe. If someone repeatedly enters that working area after being warned to stay back, responders now have to divide their attention between the emergency and that individual for safety.

That can make an already dangerous situation even more dangerous.

This ordinance does not take away someone’s right to observe, record, speak, protest, peacefully assemble, or hold first responders accountable.

This is not about stopping someone from watching or filming first responders. It is about allowing first responders to safely do the job they were called to do without interference or threats after a warning has already been given.

After 21 years in EMS, I know how quickly a routine call can become dangerous. Behind every uniform is a person with a family who wants them to come home safely when the call is over.

I am a mother, wife, daughter, sister and aunt. When I go to work, I want to help someone else’s family and still make it home safely to mine.

Send a message to learn more

08/25/2026

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🚒

The Fairmont Fire Department has made state history as the first in West Virginia to earn the prestigious NIOSH Gold Helmet designation for its efforts to combat occupational cancer.

Read the announcement in the comments

08/24/2026

Fairmont City Council will meet Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 PM at the Public Safety Building.

If you’ve ever wondered what Council is discussing or voting on, come sit in on a meeting. You do not have to speak. You are always welcome to come, listen, and stay informed.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what is on the agenda:

There are no public hearings scheduled for this meeting.

If you would like to speak to Council about any City issue during Citizen’s Petitions, you can sign up with the City Clerk before the meeting begins.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Fire Department retirement.
Council will consider allowing the Fairmont Fire Department to participate in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan, or DROP. This program has already been approved by the West Virginia Pension Oversight Board.

2. Auction of City property.
Council will consider moving forward with a public auction of surplus City property that is no longer needed. This includes several vehicles and other items.

3. 30-foot distance from first responders.
Council will consider adding language to City Code requiring bystanders to remain at least 30 feet away from first responders while they are lawfully performing their duties.

The West Virginia Legislature made this change to state law earlier this year, so this would bring Fairmont’s City Code in line with state law.

Items 1 through 3 are first readings, and public hearings will be scheduled before final action is taken.

4. Coal Severance Budget
Council will consider an amendment to the City’s 2026–2027 Coal Severance Budget.

5. Planning Commission
Reappointment of Frank Yann.

6. Planning Commission
Reappointment of Christopher Yost.

7. Parking Authority
Reappointment of Dan Swiger.

8. Parking Authority
Reappointment of Alex Petry.

Council will then go into Executive Session to discuss an appointment to the Fairmont Airport Authority.

After that discussion, Council will return to open session and any nomination and vote will take place publicly.

9. Fairmont Airport Authority
Council will consider an appointment to fill an unexpired term ending October 1, 2028.

If you have questions about anything on the agenda, want more information, or have thoughts you would like me to hear before the meeting, please reach out.

If you’re available Tuesday evening, come join us at 7:00 PM. I’m usually there a little early before the meeting, so if you come, please stop and say hi. I’d love the chance to meet you, hear what’s on your mind, and put some faces with the people I’m representing!

If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the meeting live on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/

08/17/2026

Wishing Lieutenant Steve Ash a very happy retirement as he finishes his final shift with the Fairmont Fire Department after 27 years of service today. 🚒❤️

Steve is someone I’ve crossed paths with more times than I could ever count during my 21 years at Marion County Rescue Squad. I’m grateful for the many years we’ve worked alongside one another and even more grateful for everything he has given to the people of Fairmont throughout his career.

My daughter also got to tag along with us to help celebrate Steve today, and somehow we even managed to get Allen to smile for a picture. 😂❤️

That may have been an accomplishment all on its own!😂

Steve, congratulations on 27 years of service and on a retirement that is very well deserved. I hope the years ahead are filled with good health, good memories, and plenty of time to enjoy life outside the firehouse.

Thank you for all you’ve done for our City! 🚒

08/14/2026

Today is C-Shift Captain Bob Sliger’s final shift after an incredible 26 years of service with the Fairmont Fire Department. 🚒❤️

Council Member Josh Rice and I were honored to stop by and personally thank Bob for his many years of service to the City of Fairmont.

This one is a little more personal for me. Over my 21 years at Marion County Rescue Squad, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Bob on countless calls and scenes. He has been a familiar face on calls in the city, and I am going to miss that!

Congratulations on your retirement, Bob. Thank you for 26 years of answering the call, serving our City, and working alongside so many of us. Wishing you nothing but the best in retirement, you’ve earned it!

08/13/2026

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the 72nd Annual Marion County Chamber of Commerce Dinner, and it was such a great evening.

I got to spend it with some amazing people from the City of Fairmont, including members of our city staff and fellow members of Fairmont City Council. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the people behind the work and seeing how much care goes into our city every day.

I’m especially thankful for Mayor Anne Bolyard and Council Member Rebecca Moran. These two women have been truly amazing to sit alongside on Council. They’ve been supportive, welcoming, and genuinely wonderful to work with, and I’m grateful for the friendship that has come with serving together.

And of course, my husband Allen was there with me too. He’s the one who is always beside me through the busy schedules, long days, and everything life throws at us. I’m pretty lucky to have him in my corner. 🖤

Such a good night with good people, celebrating Marion County and the community we all call home. 🧡💙

08/09/2026

Y’all better get those tomatoes ready! 🍅😂

The Tomato Festival is always such a fun local event, and this year there will be vendors, food, music, kids activities, and of course the tomato competition!

If you’ve been babying those tomato plants all summer, now’s your chance to see how they stack up. Entry is free, too!

Even if you don’t have a tomato to enter, come downtown, walk around, support some local vendors, grab something to eat and enjoy Fairmont for the day.

Saturday, August 15 • 10–2 • Monroe Street

Hope to see everybody out! 🍅🌱

Think you've grown the best tomatoes in Marion County? 🍅

Show them off at the 17th Annual Tomato Festival, sponsored by Manchin Injury Law Group, PLLC !!! The Marion County Master Gardeners are hosting this year's tomato competition, and entering is completely FREE.

Drop off your entries on Friday August 14th from 5-7 PM at the Marion County CVB (1000 Cole St, Suite A).

BRING YOUR BEST TOMATOES!!! We can't wait to see what local gardeners have been growing :)

08/07/2026

The next Fairmont City Council Regular Meeting will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at the Public Safety Building, 500 Quincy Street.

A few items listed on the agenda:

• Third Reading/Public Hearing/Adoption: Ordinance authorizing the issuance of not more than $4,000,000 in Sewerage System Design Bond Anticipation Notes, Series 2026A, for design and other pre-project costs for improvements and extensions to the City’s existing public sewerage facilities.

• New Business: Adoption of a resolution establishing an Ad Hoc Committee for purposes of reviewing Team Fairmont Mini Grant applications and recommending funding decisions.

• New Business: Adoption of a resolution increasing the number of persons appointed to the Opioid Grant Ad Hoc Committee and replacing one existing appointee.

• Executive Session: Pursuant to WV Code §6-9A-4(b)(2)(A) and City Charter 2.11(a)(1)A — to consider matters arising from the appointment, employment, retirement, promotion, transfer, demotion, disciplining, resignation, discharge, dismissal or compensation of a City Officer (City Manager Assessment and Proposed Annual Evaluation).

Our full agenda can be viewed at fairmontwv.gov under the Agenda Center!

I always encourage residents to come out, even if you just want to sit in and listen. It’s a great way to stay informed about what is happening in our city and what comes before Council.

If you have any questions about anything on the agenda, please feel free to message me. Hope to see you there! 🫶🏻