Mission:  To improve the Quality of Life of the citizens of West Virginia through the Leadership, Development and Administration of Fire Safety Programs and to reduce the loss of life and property through Education, Inspections, Investigations, Certification & Licensure, Building Plan Reviews and Enforcement of Fire Safety Laws.

Biography: Mr. Sterling Lewis , Jr. was appointed as State Fire Marshal effective May 1, 2000 .     Prior to his appointment, he was a teacher in the Raleigh County School System for 26     years and 15 years as football coach.  Having attended public schools in Raleigh County , he graduated from Shady Springs High School , and later the West Virginia Institute of Technology.

His fire service background of 21 years includes 16 years as a member of the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department.  He served as a captain with the department from 1985-90, and from 1990-2000 held the position of Chief.

He has been a two-term member of the WV House of Delegates and during regular legislative sessions has been an assistant to House Speaker Bob Kiss, D-Raleigh.

Mr. Lewis is a certified scuba instructor and an active member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and the International Association of Arson Investigators.

Other accomplishments include current status as a WV Fire Service Instructor, past President of the Raleigh County Fireman’s Association, and member of the American Red Cross Board of Directors, Raleigh County .