Firefighters and police officers are brotherhoods that intersect when the public calls, and
recently, when there’s a call for change in the law regarding partial-disability benefits. "I see zero drawbacks with this law [House Bill 5188]," Cpt. Steve McCormick of the
Huntington Fire Department said. House Bill 5188 received unanimous support during this
year’s regular session. After passing the full Legislature, it was signed by Gov. Jim Justice,
going into effect June 6.
McCormick is also president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 289 —
which represents the HFD firefighters — and sits on the advisory board of the Professional
Fire Fighters of West Virginia (PFFWV).
Beyond the theoretical language of the new law are walking, talking reasons for it, many
wearing uniforms who are sworn to protect the public but up until recently, had limited
protections.