Wheeling Assistant Fire Chief Paul Harto Retires After 38 Years of Service
Eric Ayres Trending
City officials saluted long-time Wheeling Assistant Fire Chief Paul Harto, who officially retired this past weekend after serving residents of the city for nearly four decades.
"Assistant Chief Paul Harto has 38 years of service with the Wheeling Fire Department," Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron said. "Paul has been assistant chief for many years. I've seen him in very stressful situations, supervising crews at large fires, accident scenes, etc. He just does a wonderful job of that and has complete confidence from the fire chiefs. He's worked under three or four chiefs, and you can see the confidence from the firefighters that he's directing - in his leadership ability."
According to the fire department, Harto joined the city of Wheeling's 911 dispatch on Aug. 24, 1986, and three years later, he joined the Wheeling Fire Department in March of 1989. He was promoted to assistant chief in 2008 and served in the training division for one year before moving to the suppression division in 2009, where he led the department's C Platoon ever since.
Herron noted that Harto played a key role on the city's building committee that helped plan for the new Wheeling Fire Department Headquarters, which is being constructed in East Wheeling and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
"He played a major part, and I think the community is going to be very proud of that facility," Herron said. "Certainly we point to Paul for his input in making that what we expect to be one of the best fire headquarters in the state of West Virginia."
Wheeling City Officials present Assistant Fire Chief Paul Harto a plaque in recognition of his many years of service to the city. Harto retired this past weekend, wrapping up a 38-year career. (Photo by Eric Ayres)
Last week, members of Wheeling City Council recognized Harto for his service to the city, presenting him a plaque commemorating his dedication to the city and its residents -- a presentation that drew boisterous applause. Many fellow firefighters attended the meeting in support of Harto, who invited them all to pose for a picture along with city leaders and took time to give each one of them a bear hug.
The mustachioed Harto -- who said he began growing his trademark horseshoe-style facial hair immediately upon graduating from Wheeling Central -- has been a recognizable figure in the community for decades, and city leaders noted that his presence will be missed by city employees and citizens alike.
Known by his radio call sign "C-4," Harto wrapped up his distinguished career at the end of his shift this past Saturday.
"My guys really worked hard for me," Harto said this week. "I treated them well, and they treated me well. I had a lot of good times over the course of my career, and some bad times, too. But all I ever wanted to do was be a firefighter, so I got to live out my dream, and it's been fantastic."
The West Virginia code states that firefighters in paid departments in the state must retire at age 65. Herron noted that this was the second time an assistant chief had to step down because of the state code.
"I know that he is not interested in retiring, and we're going to miss him," Herron said.
"If I worked in a volunteer department, I could do it until the day I dropped dead," Harto joked, referring to the state's age limit. "But I'm looking forward to taking a little time off. I have a big 'honey-do' list going."
Members of the Wheeling Fire Department attended the most recent meeting of Wheeling City Council to honor Assistant Fire Chief Paul Harto, who was recognized for his many years of service to the city. Harto retired this past weekend, wrapping up a 38-year career. (Photo by Eric Ayres)