Robert Wayne (Butch) Patterson has been named the new assistant fire chief for the Southern Pines Fire Department. Patterson is the son of the late Joe and Vivian Patterson of East Rockingham and is a 1965 graduate of Rohanen High School.

“The day I got promoted, they told us to come into the office. I thought I was in trouble,” Patterson said. “I’m just tickled to death.”

After his discharge from the U.S. Army, he joined the fire department in 1970 and worked his way up from firefighter, to driver, fire inspector, fire marshal and captain and now assistant chief in training.

“He loves to serve his community,” said Christopher Patterson of Sanford, his son. “I told him that you need water to fight fires, and I can provide that.”

Christopher works for Hobbs, Upchurch and Associates.

“I’m very proud of him,” said his sister, Claudia Cleaver of Rockingham.

During his service, Patterson has received a number of rewards including the National Merit Award signed by President Gerald Ford and presented by former Senator Jessie Helms, North Carolina Outstanding Man of the Year 1980, North Carolina Firefighter of the Year 1981 and is listed as an Outstanding Young Man in America in 1981.

“I’m very proud of my father,” Christopher said. “He has accomplished so much in his career as a firefighter.”

He has also been decorated with the present rank of colonel by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Patterson is the most decorated firefighter at the department with 53 medals and ribbons which include five life saves and five purple hearts.

“Everything came out just right,” Patterson said.

Patterson along with Chief Hampton Williams, also formally of Rockingham, are currently working on a program to create a new “Rehab Division.” It will assist firefighters after a call with immediate health care and food if needed.

“You can lose up to seven pounds, when you are on a call in June and July,” Patterson said.

“He always talked about wanting to do his 40 years of service,” Christopher said. “Because that is an accomplishment within itself.”

His new duties will include fire ground safety and accountability. Patterson also has a daughter, Ann Michelle Burgess, of Rockingham.

Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com