All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

First Class First Responders: City fire department celebrates two promotions

Riley Potter pins a Firefighter First Class badge on the uniform of her mom, Maria Potter, with some assistance from her dad, Firefighter Brian Potter. (My Buckhannon photo by Katie Kuba)

BUCKHANNON — BUCKHANNON – The Buckhannon Fire Department has officially promoted two of its full-time career staff members, including the first woman in the city’s history to hold the title of Firefighter First Class.

Buckhannon career firefighters Maria Potter and Shane Jenkins, who were first hired by the city in 2021, can say their ranks are now officially Firefighter First Class, a step up from full-time Firefighter.

Buckhannon Fire Chief J.B. Kimble commended Jenkins and Potter for their achievement at Buckhannon City Council’s Dec. 5 meeting, where they received their new ‘Firefighter First Class’ badges.

“Three years ago, Shane Jenkins and Maria Potter took the vow to be firefighters,” Kimble said. “They had careers at the time – Maria was a nurse, and Shane worked at the post office.”

The Buckhannon Fire Department, however, was testing for full-time paid positions, and both took a gamble.

“They were part of the fire department to begin with on the volunteer side, and I think both of them caught the bug of wanting more in the fire service,” Kimble said. “For them to venture out of those full-time positions that they had and into the fire service, in today’s world, is a risk sometimes, but here we are today, three years later.”

Sara Tobin Jenkins pins a Firefighter First Class promotion badge on the uniform of her husband Shane Jenkins, who was promoted to Firefighter First Class at Buckhannon City Council’s Dec. 5 meeting. (My Buckhannon photo by Katie Kuba)

Kimble said the change was “eye-opening,” but both persevered and became crucial assets to the BFD.

“The growth that these two have committed to is huge,” the fire chief said. “Some of the events that they’ve been on – and some of the outcomes they’ve provided for our community – is huge, and tonight they’re here with them and with their families to celebrate three years.”

“Keeping people [employed] and keeping them motivated is rough nowadays, but here we are three years later,” Kimble added.

Individuals are initially employed as probationary firefighters when hired by the City of Buckhannon, and once their probationary period is over, their rank is ‘Firefighter.’  Kimble said the rank promotion to ‘Firefighter First Class’ is automatic after three years of employment.

In two more years, Jenkins and Potter will be eligible to test for higher ranks like lieutenant.

Buckhannon City Recorder, who led the meeting because Mayor Robbie Skinner was unable to attend, congratulated Potter and Jenkins on their promotions, as did each city council member.

From left are Shane Jenkins’s mom, Kathy Jenkins, his niece Madison, Firefighter First Class Shane Jenkins and his wife Sara Tobin Jenkins. (My Buckhannon photo by Katie Kuba)
Firefighter First Class Maria Potter, her daughter Riley and husband and firefighter Brian Potter. (My Buckhannon photo by Katie Kuba)
The Buckhannon Fire Department, along with family and friends, celebrate the rank promotion of Maria Potter and Shane Jenkins to Firefighter First Class with friends and family at the Dec. 5 Buckhannon City Council meeting. (My Buckhannon photo by Katie Kuba)

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Wesleyan finishes seventh in MEC Commissioners Cup standings

West Virginia Wesleyan finished seventh in the 2024-25 Mountain East Conference Commissioner’s Cup standings, while the University of Charleston captured its eighth consecutive and tenth overall title for all-around athletic excellence.