As a young teenager, Pat was a member of the junior fire department and at 18 became an active volunteer member of the same fire house to which his grandfather was a member. Pat left college after his freshman year and enlisted in the military at 19 years old. He was stationed in Jacksonville, NC for his 4 years of active duty. He was deployed twice during an active time of war to Al-Qa’im, Iraq and Fallujah, Iraq. He was an M240 gunner on the Humvees doing day and night convoys through the cities, bringing supplies to outposts as well as providing barriers for an Iraqi police station.
After finishing his years of active duty, he spent his last 4 years of inactive duty in his hometown. He joined the Union through Helmets to Hardhats and spent years mastering a new profession while adjusting to civilian life all over again. He later married Kelly, his high school sweetheart, graduated his apprenticeship program, and still finds time to be a trustee for his firehouse.He is now a 15 year member and serves on the Training Committee for the entire department.
His proudest moments of his life have been becoming a dad to 3 beautiful children; McKenna (4), Colton (2.5), and Brayden (8 months old). To anyone who knows him, Pat is one of the most selfless and loyal people who has devoted so much of his life to helping others throughout his community, serving his country, and still finds the time to be the most loving husband, amazing father, the best firefighter, and a great friend.