WEAVERVILLE -- Following a comprehensive nationwide search, the Town of Weaverville has announced the appointment of Ray Canafax as its new Fire Chief. With a career spanning over 32 years in fire service and more than two decades as a specialized trainer, Canafax is set to take the helm of the department on April 20, 2026.
A Legacy of Leadership
Chief Canafax comes to Weaverville with a deep well of operational and administrative experience. He spent the bulk of his career with the City of Huntington Fire Department in West Virginia, where he rose through the ranks from firefighter/engineer to Deputy Fire Chief. After retiring from that role in 2024, he continued his service with the Grayson Volunteer Fire Department in Kentucky.
In addition to his work in the field, Canafax served as an adjunct instructor for the West Virginia University Fire Service Extension for 19 years, teaching fire training across several states.
Strengthening the Community
Weaverville Town Manager Scottie Harris highlighted that Canafax’s background in grants, budgeting, and professional development made him the standout choice during a rigorous multi-round interview process.
"He will be an instrumental part of the team as our fire department and Town grows," Harris stated.
The selection panel also included Weaverville Police Chief Somer Oberlin, who expressed excitement about the future of public safety collaboration. "As our town continues to grow, the collaboration between our police and fire departments becomes even more important," Oberlin said.
Chief Canafax holds an Associate's Degree in Occupational Development from Mountwest Community and Technical College and numerous fire and rescue certifications. Upon his appointment, Canafax expressed his commitment to the local community.
"I look forward to working alongside the dedicated members of the department and the town's leadership team to build upon the strong foundation already in place while continuing to provide the highest level of emergency services to our community," Canafax said.
Chief Canafax is expected to oversee a department that currently maintains an ISO rating of 2 within town limits and serves the surrounding area. Image: Weaverville Fire Department Social Media