Former Roanoke Rapids Fire Department Chief Jason Patrick recognized promotions and presented lifesaving awards during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Patrick, who retired effective September 1 to take a job in the private sector, said the ceremonies had been delayed for various reasons.

Promotions

He first recognized Dylan Clark, who had left the fire department after three years but decided to return. "We're grateful to have him back with us."

Patrick said Clark is assigned to C Shift and began his fire service career with Gaston at age 18. "There he took advantage of the classes and was certified as a firefighter II, a rescue technician, and a medical technician."

His mother placed his badge.

Vincent Mollicone was recognized for his promotion to engineer. "Vincent came to us from the Halifax Fire Department where he had served as a volunteer for 13 years."

Mollicone is certified as a firefighter II and a medical responder, and was most recently certified as an operator-driver and in pumps and aerials.

He is assigned to Station 2 and Engine 142, which is the department’s second-newest truck.

His wife placed his badge.

Kenneth Hollowell, who is currently serving as co-interim chief with Richard Cook, was recognized for his promotion to fire marshal.

"Kenneth has been with the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department since 2001, where he has also served in multiple roles within our department over the years," Patrick said.

Hollowell is also a 25-year veteran with the Davie Fire Department.

He has his firefighter I and II certifications and is certified as a rescue tech, EMT, and inspector, among other achievements.

The fire inspector III certification is a three-year process, Patrick said. "You take your level I, you have to wait about a year and then you take your level II, and then you have to wait another year, so this is a pretty big accomplishment."

His son placed his badge.

Firefighter Jared Wood was not present for his promotion to engineer.

Lifesaving commendations

Engineer Sam Allen and firefighter Christopher Boykins, who was not present, were awarded lifesaving commendations.

In the spring, Allen and Boykins were on a call in March for a person who had collapsed in a parking lot off Premier Boulevard.

They, along with Halifax County EMS personnel, assessed the patient and immediately began CPR. "After several minutes of performing lifesaving AED shocks and CPR, the victim was transferred to emergency personnel with a pulse and breath."