Patterson Fire / Rescue Department Inc.

05/22/2026

During EMS Week, Patterson Fire Rescue would like to recognize and thank all EMS providers and first responders who play a role in patient care and positive patient outcomes each and every day.

Whether it is firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, nurses, physicians, law enforcement, or other healthcare providers, it takes a team effort to provide quality emergency care to our communities.

Patterson Fire Rescue is proud to currently have:

* 10 Paramedics
* 13 EMTs
* 2 Medical Responders

Thank you to all of our members and to EMS providers everywhere for your dedication, sacrifice, and service to others.

05/22/2026

Reminder that Patterson Fire Rescue will be hosting a free Community CPR Course tomorrow at Patterson Fire Station 1.

The class will begin at 9:00 AM and is open to anyone wanting to learn the basics of CPR and how to respond during an emergency. While no certification will be provided, this is a great opportunity to learn life-saving skills that could help a family member, friend, or member of the community.

Location: Patterson Fire Station 1
Intersection of Roby Martin Rd and Yadkin River Rd

We hope to see you there!

05/08/2026

Patterson Fire Rescue would like to congratulate two of our members on advancing their education and continuing their commitment to the Fire and EMS professions.

Fire Chief Jeremy Swanson has earned his Associate in Applied Science degree in Fire Protection Technology from Catawba Valley Community College.

Logistics Officer Tara Swanson has earned her Associate in Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Science from Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute.

We are proud of their hard work and dedication to continuing education and serving our community!

05/01/2026

Patterson Fire Rescue will be hosting a community CPR class, and you’re invited!

This class is free of charge and open to anyone who wants to learn the basics of CPR and how to respond in an emergency. While no certification will be provided, this is a great opportunity to gain life-saving knowledge and hands-on experience.

Date: May 23rd
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Patterson Fire Rescue – Station 1
(Intersection of Roby Martin Rd & Yadkin River Rd)

Come out and learn how you can make a difference when it matters most. You never know when these skills could help save a life!

05/01/2026

Patterson Fire Rescue responded to a total of 36 calls during the month of April. Of those, 30 occurred in the Station 1 area or mutual aid districts, and 6 were in the Station 2 area.

The most common call types included breathing problems, illegal burns, and downed power lines.

We appreciate the continued support of our community and remain committed to serving you whenever needed!

04/28/2026

Patterson Fire Rescue, along with Yadkin Valley Fire Department and Kings Creek Fire Department, recently participated in a multi-company training event at Yadkin Valley Park.

During this training, members practiced rural water supply operations, including the use of a turbo draft, drafting from a drop tank, and conducting a nursing operation. At one point, crews were able to sustain water flow to two handlines and a deck gun for an extended period.

This training also provided a great opportunity for members from each department to work together, build relationships, and review the equipment carried on each department’s apparatus.

We appreciate the opportunity to train alongside our neighboring departments and continue strengthening our ability to serve our communities.

04/26/2026

Patterson Fire Rescue would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and members of Gamewell Fire Department on the passing of former Fire Chief Keith Owens.

Chief Owens dedicated over five decades to the fire service, including 55 years with Gamewell Fire Department and 31 years as Fire Chief. His impact reached far beyond his department, serving with Lenoir Fire Department and the NC Forest Service, and shaping the fire service across North Carolina.

Chief Owens was more than a leader, he was a mentor to many firefighters throughout Caldwell County. His commitment to teaching, guiding, and developing the next generation leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to influence our fire service for years to come.

We join our brothers and sisters in the fire service in honoring his life, service, and the profound impact he made on so many.

Please keep the Owens family and the Gamewell Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

We deeply mourn the loss of former Fire Chief Keith Owens, a leader whose bravery and dedication inspired generations of firefighters and citizens. Chief Owens’ extraordinary commitment spanned over five decades, including 55 years of service with the Gamewell Fire Department, where he served as Chief for 31 years (1990–2021).
His passion for the fire service extended throughout North Carolina, with 20 years at the Lenoir Fire Department and 13 years with the NC Forest Service. Beyond his operational leadership, Chief Owens was a devoted educator. In 2018, his vision for youth mentorship became a reality with the founding of a junior firefighter academy, which was renamed the Chief Keith Owens Junior Fire Academy in 2023. His legacy will live on through the cadets who continue to learn the values of emergency services in his honor.
Funeral arrangements are currently pending and will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

04/06/2026

On Saturday, April 4, 2026, Patterson Fire Rescue responded with a tanker and manpower to assist North Catawba Fire Rescue and the North Carolina Forest Service with a woods fire in the North Catawba Fire District.

Patterson units responded with Tanker 302 and assisted with water supply operations, including filling other units on scene.

We appreciate the continued partnership with our neighboring departments in working together to protect our communities.

04/06/2026

As of April 6, 2026, the state-issued ban on open burning remains in effect for all 100 counties. The ban was enacted Saturday, March 28 due to hazardous forest fire conditions.

The ban prohibits outdoor burning of any kind, anywhere in the state, until further notice.

For answers to frequently asked questions: https://bit.ly/4dlzcXv

Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

The burn ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The local fire marshal has authority to issue a burn ban within those 100 feet.

Read news release: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/03/28/statewide-burn-ban-issued-north-carolina-due-hazardous-forest-fire-conditions

04/03/2026

This unit is still available. All reasonable offers will be considered!

Please contact the station at 828-758-1855 to schedule a time to come by and take a look.