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Jason Patrick, a nearly 22-year veteran with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department, has been named the organization’s chief.

City Manager Joseph Scherer announced the choice of Patrick to lead the fire department during his report to city council this evening.

Patrick said he will begin his duties on December 3, which is also the last day for current Chief Stacy Coggins, who is retiring effective the 31st of next month.

“I feel pretty honored to be able to be chosen for the position,” Patrick said this evening. “Three of us applied. Any one of the others were good candidates. Hopefully we can work together to improve the fire department.”

Patrick has been with the fire department nearly 22 years.

Other than not being deputy chief, chief or in inspections, Patrick, currently an assistant chief, has worked in all other suppression positions within the fire department.

He started out as a junior firefighter for Davie in 1994 at the age of 16.

He earned an associate degree in fire protection from Wilson Technical Community College; holds a fire officer II certification; holds a level III life safety education certification and is a level II fire instructor.

“I think the fire department will be in capable hands,” Coggins said after the meeting. “I’m excited to see where Chief Patrick is going to take the organization.”

Scherer said Patrick presented an interview panel his knowledge, skills and abilities which demonstrated he was “the best fit for the position of fire chief.”

At 41, Scherer said, Patrick is expected to be fire chief long-term “which will be a great benefit to the city” through his depth and training for the position.