Fairmont City Council appoints first responder to vacant seat

Donna Wade, assistant chief of the Marion County Rescue Squad, fills unexpired term after Chuck Warner's death

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Fairmont City Council has appointed Donna Wade, a 20-year veteran of the Marion County Rescue Squad, to fill the 5th District council seat left vacant by the recent death of Chuck Warner. Wade, who is also married to a Fairmont City firefighter, was sworn in during the council's regular meeting and immediately began tackling the city's agenda, including issues around blighted and unsafe properties in her district.

Why it matters

Wade's appointment brings the perspective of a first responder to the city council, which could help inform decisions around public safety and community development. As an EMT, Wade has firsthand experience dealing with the risks posed by dilapidated properties, making her a valuable voice on the council's ongoing urban renewal efforts.

The details

Donna Wade, the assistant chief of the Marion County Rescue Squad, was appointed to fill the vacant 5th District council seat after the recent death of Chuck Warner. Wade, who has been with the rescue squad for 20 years and was previously a volunteer, was sworn in during the council's regular meeting. She immediately began working on the city's agenda, which includes addressing blighted and unsafe properties in her district. Wade says she has a vested interest in Fairmont, as she was born there, launched her career there, and is raising her family there.

  • On February 11, 2026, Donna Wade attended a Fairmont City Council work session where she was named to fill the 5th District council seat.
  • On February 11, 2026, Donna Wade was sworn in as the new 5th District council member during the Fairmont City Council's regular meeting.

The players

Donna Wade

The assistant chief of the Marion County Rescue Squad who was appointed to fill the vacant 5th District council seat in Fairmont.

Chuck Warner

The previous 5th District council member whose untimely death led to the vacancy that Donna Wade was appointed to fill.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was a little bit of 'Hit the ground running,' but with my job, I'm definitely used to that.”

— Donna Wade, New 5th District council member (The Dominion Post)

“The city's doing a pretty good job of knocking them down. They're eyesores, but they also aren't safe. Some of them are tetanus shots waiting to happen. You have to think about fires or if there's a collapse. And my God, what if a kid gets hurt playing around one of them?”

— Donna Wade, New 5th District council member (The Dominion Post)

What’s next

Wade will fill the unexpired portion of Chuck Warner's original council term through November 2026. The city council will need to decide whether to hold a special election to fill the seat for the remainder of the term or appoint someone else to the position.

The takeaway

Donna Wade's appointment as the new 5th District council member in Fairmont brings the valuable perspective of a first responder to the city's governing body. As an EMT with the Marion County Rescue Squad, Wade has firsthand experience dealing with the public safety risks posed by blighted and unsafe properties, making her well-suited to contribute to the city's ongoing urban renewal efforts.