ELEANOR, W.Va. (WCHS) — Education officials gathered in Putnam County Thursday to recognize an outstanding teacher who is preparing the next generation of first responders.

Darin Virag, a firefighting and EMT instructor, was named the 2026 West Virginia Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year.

A ceremony was held at the Putnam County Career and Technical Center in Eleanor where Virag has transformed decades of fire service into real-world learning opportunities for students.

"I'm very honored and overwhelmed at receiving this award and the outpouring from the students and staff, former students and people I've worked with in the past," Virag told Eyewitness News. "I'm overwhelmed and honored, humbled really."

Virag says he's "honored and overwhelmed" after receiving the award. (WCHS)

Virag has coached multiple Skills USA medalists in firefighting and emergency medical technician disciplines.