West Virginia DMV Joins Purple Heart Parking Spot Program, Plans Statewide Expansion

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Everett Frazier has announced the statewide participation in the Purple Heart Parking Spot Program, an initiative aimed at honoring Purple Heart Veterans. Signs designating the special parking spots will be displayed at all DMV regional offices across the state.

The program, initiated by Commander Wally McMasters of the VFW Post 4442, has gained support in the Northern Panhandle over the past year. Many retail and business outlets have agreed to dedicate one parking spot in their shopping areas specifically for Purple Heart Veterans. After McMasters approached the DMV in Moundsville with the idea, Commissioner Frazier not only agreed to participate but also decided to expand the program to every regional office in West Virginia.

Frazier praised the sacrifices made by veterans, stating, "Our service men and women in uniform give their time, effort, and sometimes pay the ultimate sacrifice—their very lives—so that we can enjoy our freedoms. To me, giving them a parking spot at each office is just a small way that we can say 'Thank you for your service!'"

The Purple Heart Parking Spot program is being implemented in phases. "Phase 1" involved gaining participation from businesses in the Wheeling and surrounding areas. "Phase 2" involves statewide expansion, and McMasters hopes "Phase 3" will bring the initiative to the national level.

The first Purple Heart Parking Spot sign at a DMV regional office was installed in Moundsville on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Several veterans and DMV staff attended the event. In the coming months, signs will be installed at regional offices throughout West Virginia until all locations feature a designated parking spot for Purple Heart Veterans.