The Buckhannon Fire Department made history this week when Maria Potter was promoted to lieutenant, becoming the first woman in the city’s history to hold that rank.

Potter was hired by the city in 2021 and was promoted to Firefighter First Class in December 2024. Less than a year later, she has advanced to lieutenant and was pinned by her husband, Buckhannon volunteer firefighter Brian Potter.

Fire Chief J.B. Kimble said Potter’s promotion followed a competitive civil service process.

“With Lt. John Brugnoli leaving, we had an opening in our line officers of our crew staff, so we opened that position up,” Kimble said. “It was a competitive test based on the Civil Service [West Virginia] State Code. So, once that starts, they have a specific amount of time to study books, several books and several thousand pages of information to take a test, and the test is competitive, and tonight, we’re here to celebrate Lieutenant Maria Potter’s promotion.”

Mayor Robbie Skinner, who attended the pinning ceremony virtually, applauded Potter’s achievement.

“When they interact with the Buckhannon Fire Department, the community is so complimentary of you and your professionalism and your abilities and the service that you provide to the community,” Skinner said.

“On behalf of the Council and our entire community, we really appreciate your dedication to the fire service and to our community as a whole. I think we all know that it is not easy to stay in southern Appalachia, in a small town where there are just not tremendous opportunities, but you’ve done it, and you’re thriving, so congratulations and thank you for everything you do.”