WV HB2886

Allows municipalities to exempt fire chiefs from civil service protection through local ordinance, enabling mayors or city councils to directly appoint fire chiefs similar to how police chiefs are selected

Permits volunteer fire companies to elect a commander only if allowed by city ordinance and charter

Clarifies that eligibility requirements for receiving municipal pensions and protection fund or Fire Protection Fund allocations do not require municipalities to include fire chiefs as civil servants

Removes the previous requirement that fire chiefs retain their prior civil service rank/status in the fire department if removed from the chief position (except for removal for cause)

Applies to paid fire departments where the fire chief position is not currently covered by civil service provisions under the municipality's ordinance