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Oak Hill Today
By the People, for the People
Oak Hill Fire Department unveils memorial board for fallen firefighters
The new memorial honors the legacy of local heroes who dedicated their lives to protecting the community.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:42am
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The Oak Hill Fire Department in West Virginia hosted a dedication ceremony to unveil a new memorial board that honors all firefighters who have served the city. The board was donated by retired firefighter Gayle Koone, who wanted to create a lasting tribute to his former colleagues, including those who have passed away. The memorial has already had a powerful impact on the community, with Lieutenant/Chaplain Chris Gill describing it as 'very humbling' to see the names and legacies of the fallen firefighters.
Why it matters
The memorial board serves as an important way for the Oak Hill community to honor and remember the firefighters who have sacrificed to keep the city safe over the years. It provides a central place for residents to reflect on the bravery and dedication of these local heroes.
The details
The memorial board was installed by the City of Oak Hill's Parks and Recreation department. Retired firefighter Gayle Koone, who served on the department for many years, donated the board because he wanted to create a lasting tribute to his former colleagues, including those who have passed away. Lieutenant/Chaplain Chris Gill of the Oak Hill Fire Department said the memorial is 'very humbling' and helps the community recognize that the names on the board represent real people, legacies, and family members.
- The dedication ceremony for the memorial board took place on April 2, 2026.
The players
Gayle Koone
A retired firefighter who donated the memorial board to the Oak Hill Fire Department.
Chris Gill
The Lieutenant/Chaplain for the Oak Hill Fire Department, who spoke about the impact of the memorial.
What they’re saying
“I love this department. I was on for quite a few years, and I love these guys, and I love doing the service with these men. And I've been off for almost 30 years. All these years, I've been thinking of something that I could do for the department. I was sitting at home one day, just thinking about the guys I worked with, guys who had passed, and I figured there's my project, so here it is. You know, I'm very proud of this department and those dedicated men.”
— Gayle Koone, Retired firefighter
“It's humbling seeing this memorial board. It is very humbling to know that those men that are over here are somebody, it's not just a name. It's somebody. It's a legacy. It's a family member. And it means a lot to see the families come walking around and look at it and smile and be happy and proud that their loved one family member is on this board.”
— Chris Gill, Lieutenant/Chaplain, Oak Hill Fire Department
What’s next
The Oak Hill Fire Department plans to hold an annual ceremony at the memorial board to honor the fallen firefighters and their families.
The takeaway
The new memorial board in Oak Hill serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by local firefighters to protect their community. It provides a central place for residents to reflect on the bravery and dedication of these heroes and ensures their legacies will not be forgotten.
