August 13, 2008 -- West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin told delegates yesterday that he respects the IAFF for supporting those who support fire fighters.

“You talk the talk, and you walk the walk. It’s rare, and I respect it. I’ve seen people be wishy-washy, but I’ve never seen it from you,” the governor said.

Governor Manchin said he has increased penalties in West Virginia against people who interfere with the ability of fire fighters to do their jobs and raised benefits to $50,000 for survivors of fire fighters who die in the line of duty.