Roanoke Rapids fire Chief Jason Patrick was recognized for his years of service Friday at the department’s annual fire safety fair.
City Manager Kelly Traynham and John M. Tayloe of United States Senator Ted Budd’s office made remarks during a break in the event held at Kirkwood Adams.
“Tonight is a special recognition opportunity for our fire chief,” the city manager said of Patrick, who is retiring on September 1. “Jason has been a tremendous team leader and very humble public servant and we just want to take a moment to say thank you. We’re going to miss you but we know your heart is with the fire department.”
Patrick said, “If it wasn’t for these guys and these women we wouldn’t have been able to do what we’ve done. I just thank each and every one of them for what they’ve done for the department and for me since I’ve been in this position.”
In the gallery: The gallery not only includes photos of the presentation to Patrick, but those of the event itself including musical guest Sophie Taylor, a bike rodeo by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, and the arrival of the department’s newest truck.
Tayloe said, “One of the unique opportunities I have representing Senator Budd in this region is to recognize on his behalf servants of communities that have poured themselves into their work and have done such phenomenal jobs that many of us as regular citizens take for granted. Only when we need to call 911 do we think of people like Jason.”
As part of Patrick’s work, Tayloe said, events like the safety fair “helps encourage safety and community.”
Budd presented a letter that recognized Patrick’s contribution to the city and beyond. “ … Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for an actual 28 years of dedicated service to the city of Roanoke Rapids as chief of the fire department.”
Patrick’s seven years of service as chief, the letter says, “Has left a lasting impact on the department you led and the community you served. Your ability to guide the department through unprecedented challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and the great resignation is a testament to your steady hand and unwavering commitment to resilience.”
The letter notes that Patrick managed a $3 million budget, two stations, and a team of 32 employees which he led “with integrity and purpose. With you at the helm the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department secured over $1 million in grants and donated funding including major grants through FEMA for a new fire engine … and airpack replacement — investments that will service the city for years to come.”
The letter praised Patrick for prioritizing professional growth and community connection, increasing training hours, and extending outreach programs such as the “cherished annual veterans breakfast. On behalf of all who have benefited from your service — thank you.”
Tayloe said Patrick has been a help and guide to other chiefs and other communities throughout the region.
In turn, Patrick presented Tayloe two challenge coins that are replicas of the truck the department received through FEMA funds. “Thank you so much for your assistance, thank you for the nice kind words for me … I couldn’t do it by myself. These guys — the credit goes to them. They’re the ones who went out there and worked hard to find ways during the times that people were struggling to do this.”
New truck
Following that presentation Patrick had guests come outside to see the latest truck in the RRFD’s fleet — a pumper purchased with American Rescue Plan funds.
“They’re working on getting it in service,” the chief told the audience. “We wanted to present it in a special way.”
The new truck is identical to the one the department received through FEMA funds, Patrick said.
Both trucks should serve the city for many years, he said. “Other than having to look at a new aerial, the engines should serve the city for quite a while.”
