Chad Abshire

Staff Writer

CHARLESTON — Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin recently proclaimed Oct. 21, 2012 as Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day in the Mountain State.

In honor of the dedication and commitment of the state’s firefighters, Tomblin ordered all state flags lowered on the state capitol grounds to half-staff that day to coincide with this year’s service, which is dedicated to Davis-Creek Ruthdale Volunteer Firefighter Joseph A. “Joey” King who was died in the line of duty on Dec. 4, 2011.

Tomblin asked all West Virginians to “take a moment to remember the firefighters we’ve lost, and to thank all the brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep us safe each and every day.”

More than 10,000 career and volunteer firefighters respond to more than 120,000 emergencies each year.

“Joanne and I will keep the King family and all the other families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty in our thoughts and prayers,” Tomblin said.