Charleston, WV – Newly appointed State Senator Robert “Rocky” Fitzsimmons (D – Ohio) was sworn in this morning, filling the vacant seat left behind by the resignation of Senator Orphy Klempa in December. He will be representing the First Senatorial District comprised of Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio counties as well as part of Marshall County.

“I am honored by my appointment to the Senate and will work hard represent the residents of my district and improve the quality of life throughout West Virginia,” says Fitzsimmons. “With my legal experience and my engineering background, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the legislature.”

Fitzsimmons says education and the continued responsible development of the state’s oil and gas industry will be two of the most important issues that will be addressed during the upcoming legislative session.

Fitzsimmons holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering from Washington University and obtained his law degree from Wake Forest University and practices law with Fitzsimmons Law Firm PLLC in Wheeling.

Fitzsimmons was appointed last month by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin to fill the unexpired four-year term that extends through 2014.