West Virginia rules of the road for First Responders

[jewel21348]

This is my first post. I've come to this site for accurate information concerning laws regarding response to EMS and fire department calls.
My son, who just graduated, has joined our local volunteer fire department.
His goal is to attend school for EMS and Paramedic.
My concern is what the laws are for WV. He's exercising his independence
and "tells" us as parents, that it's legal to drive as fast as you can but still be safe when responding to calls. Right now he is a First Responder. We live approximately 12 miles from the station. I worry about him driving to fast and I have no idea who the Captain is, nor does he want any interferance in what he's doing. He states he must pay for his own lights, AND SIREN!
Do firemen have sirens, because I thought only the Chief, Asst. Chief, would have them. Also, what are the laws as far as speed? I'm sure he drives like a bat out of hell.........I just don't want him to get hurt, or hurt someone else, and he really needs to be accurately informed of the laws that govern response to fires, accidents, transports, basically everything that responders do. I hate to see him lose his sponsor for schooling, over not knowing the law. Anyone have this info or a site where I could go to get it?

Tks,
Worried parent

[RES11CUE]

Contact your local state police detachment. I know you must stop at all red lights and stop signs. I also know that you cannot go as fast as you want to.

You could also contact the fire chief and have him/her put a stop to it. They could also be held liable if your son crashes so they would want to know.

Hope this helps.

[mcmechenvfd]

Mark your Calendars for Kurt Bradley's Grant Writing Seminar to be held in McMechen, West Virginia. Seminar will be held February 16-17, 2008 at the McMechen VFD Fire Hall. Early Registration (30 days prior to the seminar) will receive a $50.00 discount from the $349 per person regular fee. Please contact John Davis at webmaster@mcmechenvfd.com for further details.


http://www.mcmechenvfd.com/seminar/

We expect this class to fill fast after we anounce it at the WV State Firermens Association Convention in Wheeling

For More Information on The WV State Firermens Association Convention go to www.wvsfa.com

[Yetti75]

Under WV state law your son must first have a permit to travel with lights and siren. The permits are issued by the local fire chief, because that department is liable for that vehicle during a response. Usually, this is issued after the FF has taken an Emergency Vehicle Operations Class (EVOC) that is given by WVU Fire Extension. He will usually be expected to provide his own lights and siren as a Volunteer.

In regards to the "drive as fast as he wants to" comment, I know that State law does state that you may exceed the posted speed limit, but I would be vigilant in reminding every FF that we are responding to help someone in need, not to create more accidents, and that you can't help anyone if you don't make it there.

Most of all, TALK WITH THE CHIEF. There is NO reason why you shouldn't know the chief of your dept. and be able to talk with him about the safety of everyone in the community, let alone the safety of your son! I'm sure that he would like to know about your concern as well.

May God Bless