Release from the Office of the State Fire Marshal
CHARLESTON, W.Va.- W.Va. State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree has selected a proven leader in the state’s first responder community as his chief deputy. 

Tyree has chosen Robert D. “Robbie” Bailey IV, who most recently has been the Public Service Training coordinator at the W.Va. Department of Education. Bailey’s career spans more than two decades and has included terms as an acting municipal police chief, assistant state fire marshal, and homeland security regional liaison. He succeeds Robert S. Sharp, who retired as chief deputy in June 2020. 

“Robbie Bailey has dedicated his life’s work to serving and protecting West Virginians and I’m honored to select him for this position,” Tyree said. “With his diverse background, I’m confident he will provide a continual and constant display of honor and integrity within his leadership role throughout the agency.” 

A graduate of Bluefield College with a criminal justice degree, Bailey has served as a telecommunicator for Wyoming County, Pineville’s acting police chief, an assistant state fire marshal and an area liaison for what is now the Division of Emergency Management. He has also completed a broad array of law enforcement and fire service training. 

“I am honored to be selected for this position,” Bailey said. “I am looking forward to continuing the work of Chief Deputy Sharp, Fire Marshal Tyree, and the agency as a whole. I am excited to work with emergency service stakeholders throughout the state.”

 The State Fire Marshal’s Office endeavors to ensure protection of life and property and to improve the quality of life of the citizens of West Virginia through leadership, development, and administration of fire safety programs that reduce loss of life and property through education, inspections, investigations, certification, and licensure, building plan review, and enforcement of fire safety laws.