WV HB5164

Transfers the Office of the State Fire Marshal to the Department of Homeland Security and establishes new law enforcement ranks including Chief Deputy, First Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal, and Deputy Fire Marshal with corresponding salary schedules ranging from $42,536 for trainees to $90,000 for the State Fire Marshal

Grants statewide law enforcement authority to the State Fire Marshal, Chief Deputy, and Deputy Fire Marshals, including power to make arrests, execute warrants, and enforce state laws while conducting fire-related investigations

Establishes separate career tracks for sworn Deputy Fire Marshals (law enforcement) and Assistant State Fire Marshals (inspections), with Deputy Fire Marshals receiving higher base salaries and length-of-service pay increases of $600 every three years after five years of service

Provides certification exemptions for current Deputy Fire Marshals with five or more consecutive years of service, allowing them to become certified law enforcement officers without attending a training academy if they complete required in-service training within 12 months

Requires mandatory investigation of all fire-related deaths and injuries statewide, and allows Office attorneys to assist prosecuting attorneys in criminal cases involving fire marshal investigations