Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

Newly appointed State Sen. Robert "Rocky" Fitzsimmons, D-Ohio, was sworn in Monday morning, filling the vacant seat left behind by the resignation of Sen. Orphy Klempa in December.

Fitzimmons will be representing the First Senatorial District comprised of Brooke, Hancock and Ohio counties and part of Marshall County, according to a news release from the West Virginia Senate.

"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," Fitzsimmons said. "With my legal experience and my engineering background, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the Legislature."

Fitzsimmons said 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 Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to fill the unexpired four-year term that extends through 2014.

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