Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Chief Richard Cook announced recent promotions and new hires during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Bryan Hollowell to assistant chief of operations
He began his employment with the city of Roanoke Rapids on September 2, 2008, working with Public Works. On March 17, 2009, he transferred to the fire department, where he had the opportunity to work alongside his brother, Kenneth.
Bryan was promoted to engineer on January 15, 2013, and to lieutenant on July 12, 2016.
“Throughout his career, Bryan has earned the respect of his peers through his extensive knowledge of our apparatus, his dedication to the department, and his strong work ethic,” Cook said.
He holds credentials as a North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician; Firefighter I and II; Driver/Operator – Pumps and Aerials; Fire Officer I and II; Fire Instructor; and Fire Investigation Technician.
Bryan’s wife, Jordan, and his daughters, Elle and Aubry, pinned his new badge.
Will Harris to lieutenant
He began his career with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department on November 27, 2017, following in the footsteps of his father, BJ Harris, battalion chief of B Shift.
Will was promoted to engineer on January 19, 2020.
He holds credentials as a North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician; Firefighter I and II; Driver/Operator – Pumps and Aerials; Fire Officer I and II; and is a Qualified Fire Instructor. Will also serves as chairman of the Training Committee.
“Will has earned the respect of his peers through his knowledge, enthusiasm, and consistently positive attitude,” Cook said.
His brother Marc — a firefighter with Gaston Fire and Rescue — pinned his new badge.
Chris Boykin to engineer
He graduated from the Nash Fire Academy in December 2023 and began his career with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department on April 22, 2024.
He is a North Carolina-certified Firefighter I and II and is currently working toward his Driver/Operator — Pumps and Aerials certifications.
“Chris is assigned to C Shift and has quickly proven himself through his professionalism, commitment, and strong work ethic,” Cook said.
His fiancée, Shyanne Price, pinned his new badge.
Jared Lynch to engineer
He began his career with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department on May 19, 2014, working his way up to engineer and step-up lieutenant prior to his departure in October 2023.
The department welcomed him back on February 9.
He holds credentials as a North Carolina Emergency Medical Responder; Firefighter I and II; and Driver/Operator — Pumps and Aerials.
“Jared is currently assigned to A Shift and has quickly reaffirmed his value through professionalism, teamwork, and a strong work ethic,” Cook said.
Jared’s mother, Trina Lynch, pinned his new badge.
Seth Mahaffey
He graduated from the Nash Fire Academy in June 2022 and began his career with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department on March 9.
He is credentialed as a North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician and Firefighter I and II.
Seth is currently assigned to A Shift under Battalion Chief Tim Gray.
Gray pinned his badge.
Mathew Pierce
He began his career with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department on August 23.
He is credentialed as a North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician and Firefighter I and II.
Mathew is currently assigned to C Shift under Battalion Chief Chris Horvath.
His wife, Morgan, pinned his badge.
