07/14/2025
Congratulations Chief!
Martinsburg, WV - July 14, 2025
Lieutenant Brad Knieriem Appointed as Martinsburg Fire Chief -
Bringing Two Decades of Experience to Lead the Department
Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles and City Manager Andrew P. Blake are pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Knieriem as the new Fire Chief for the Martinsburg Fire Department (MFD). Chief Knieriem, a 20-year firefighter with the City of Martinsburg, will be promoted to Fire Chief effective July 28, 2025, following the retirement of Chief JD Hummingbird. This appointment marks a new chapter in MFD’s commitment to public safety and community service.
“I congratulate Chief Knieriem on his promotion and thank Chief Hummingbird for his years of service to MFD,” said City Manager Blake. “It was clear during the selection process that Chief Knieriem possesses a thorough understanding and knowledge of critical issues and priorities currently affecting the Martinsburg Fire Department. He is a competent firefighter with extensive incident command experience and has the respect of his fellow firefighters. He also has a business background which will serve him well running the administrative side of MFD. I am confident that his leadership will enhance the public safety of Martinsburg.” Blake further added, “I want to thank all the internal candidates who applied, shared their knowledge and their vision for the future.”
Chief Knieriem joined the Martinsburg Fire Department in 2005 as a firefighter. He moved up through the ranks as Lieutenant and served as Fire Marshal for the City of Martinsburg from 2008-2021. Chief Knieriem has also served as Deputy Chief, Captain and Lieutenant at Hedgesville Volunteer Fire Department. He is an accomplished firefighter who possesses administrative, supervisory, command, inspection and instructional experience.
“I am extremely proud and honored for the opportunity to lead the employees and professional firefighters of the Martinsburg Fire Department and those serving our community,” said Chief Knieriem. “I have had the privilege of working with the dedicated firefighters of the Martinsburg Fire Department for two decades. I can personally attest to their professionalism, passion and proficiency.”
Mayor Kevin Knowles stated, “I fully support the decision of City Manager Blake appointing Chief Knieriem. We had the good fortune of having several very highly qualified internal candidates. I appreciate their willingness to apply for the position and share their ideas for leading the Martinsburg Fire Department. It is clear that the MFD has a bright future after sitting through multiple interviews, reviewing candidates and receiving input from many members of our community. I believe that Chief Knieriem is the right choice and he has my full support. I congratulate him and thank him for his willingness to lead the members of the Martinsburg Fire Department.”
The Chief of the Martinsburg Fire Department oversees 36 professional firefighters and provides fire and EMS services to the City of Martinsburg – the sixth largest city in West Virginia – and its partners through mutual aid agreements. In 2024, the MFD reported to 5,630 emergency calls for service – consisting of 4,276 EMS calls and 1,354 fire calls. MFD operates from two fire stations located at 200 North Raleigh Street and 715 North Queen Street. Station 1 (200 North Raleigh Street) is designated as MFD headquarters where the vast majority of vehicles and personnel assigned to the department are located. Station 5 (715 North Queen Street) houses one engine and at least two personnel.
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