City of Bridgeport addresses truck sale rumors

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - The City of Bridgeport officially addressed the rumors circulating on social media about the sale of a city truck Monday.

A 2017 pickup truck with 127,000 miles used by the Bridgeport Fire Department and owned by the City of Bridgeport was purchased by the Belington Volunteer Fire Department for $100 on October 31st, officials said.

City staff later discovered that “unverified and incomplete information had been presented in order to facilitate the transaction,” and the Bridgeport Fire Department has regained custody of the truck. The process to formally reverse the transaction is now underway, officials said.

Former Bridgeport Fire Chief Phil Hart, who recently retired, also volunteers for the Belington VFD. However, the press release from the city does not mention Hart specifically.

If the current fire chief decides to decommission the vehicle, it will be disposed of in accordance with established procedures, officials said.

“We are confident that the steps taken will reinforce the integrity of our processes and safeguard public assets,” said Bridgeport Mayor Robert Matheny. “Our priority is ensuring trust, transparency, and efficient management of taxpayer resources.”

Matheny also thanked the members of the public who brought this matter forward, ensuring it could promptly be addressed and corrected.