Alton N.H. Fire Department

04/24/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday – Christopher Panek 🚒

This week, we’re proud to highlight Firefighter/AEMT Christopher Panek, a dedicated member of Alton Fire & Rescue who is committed to serving his community and continuously pushing himself to improve.

🔹 What made you want to become a firefighter/AEMT?
To be part of something bigger than myself and serve my community in a meaningful way. The hands on nature of the job and helping people really drew me in.

🔹 What drew you to the Town of Alton?
The variety of calls and the strong sense of community. From everyday EMS calls to mountain rescues and water-related incidents, it’s a place that keeps you sharp and constantly learning.

🔹 How long have you been with Alton Fire & Rescue?
Almost 1 year.

🔹 What’s your favorite part of the job?
The unpredictability and diversity of the calls. No two days are the same, and you’re always learning and adapting.

🔹 What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
My previous job was climbing cell phone towers and working as a rope access technician.

🔹 What do you like to do when off duty?
Spending time with my family, hitting the gym, practicing jiu jitsu, and getting outdoors—especially hiking, camping, and exploring with my pups.

💬 Advice for future firefighters:
“Stay consistent, be willing to learn, and don’t cut corners. Take care of your physical fitness and show up ready to commit to becoming better every shift.”

👨‍🚒 Thank you, Chris, for your dedication to the Town of Alton and for stepping up to serve your community

04/24/2026

Our members work hard to maintain our apparatus in tip top shape, and extend their life as long as possible as these pieces of equipment represent a significant investment by our taxpayers.

An important part of that maintenance is annual pump maintenance, and we are very grateful for the expert team at Desorcie Emergency Products for the excellent work they do!

The Desorcie Service Team wrapped up this week with Fleet Maintenance for Alton Fire (NH). Thank You for your continued business .

04/23/2026

🚨 FIRE DANGER TODAY – APRIL 23 🚨

Today is a HIGH fire danger day. The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for elevated fire risk across the area.

🔥 Use extreme caution with any permitted burning. Even small fires can spread quickly under these conditions.

Let’s all do our part to help prevent wildfires and keep our community safe.

04/22/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Day to our incredible Administrative Assistant Allison!

Allie is truly the backbone of our organization, the one who manages all of the day to day administrative responsibilities of our operations, and the friendly face and voice answering all of your calls or assisting the public at the station.

From all of us, thank you for everything you do!

04/18/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday – Matt Krafton 🚑

This week, we’re proud to highlight Firefighter/EMT Matt Krafton, a dedicated member of Alton Fire & Rescue who proves it’s never too late to answer the call.

🔹 What made you want to become a firefighter/EMT?
To be part of something bigger than myself and to serve our country in some way.

🔹 What drew you to the Town of Alton?
The diversity of calls. From everyday service calls to Mt. Major rescues, boat fires, and water rescues—the town keeps you sharp and on your toes.

🔹 How long have you been with Alton Fire & Rescue?
1 year.

🔹 What’s your favorite part of the job?
The variety of calls, especially mountain rescues and boat-related incidents.

🔹 What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I attended the NH Recruit School and became a firefighter at 45 years old.

🔹 What do you like to do when off duty?
I focus on being the best dad and husband I can be to my wife and our three children—and enjoying all the moments in between.

💬 Advice for future firefighters:
“It’s never too late to join the fire service. Work hard and never give up.”

👨‍🚒 Thank you, Matt, for your dedication to the Town of Alton and for stepping up to serve your community!

04/10/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday – Ryan Paterson 🚒

This week, we’re proud to highlight Firefighter/AEMT Ryan Paterson, a valued member of Alton Fire & Rescue who is dedicated to serving our community.

🔹 What made you want to become a firefighter/AEMT?
It seemed like a busy department for the area, and I was drawn to the diversity of calls that we receive.

🔹 What drew you to the Town of Alton?
The call volume and variety for a department in this area stood out to me.

🔹 How long have you been with Alton Fire & Rescue?
Since July 2024.

🔹 What’s your favorite part of the job?
Helping our community members.

🔹 What do you like to do when off duty?
I enjoy spending time outdoors with my wife.

💬 Advice for future firefighters:
“Go speak to your local department—they’re usually happy to help anyone looking to pursue the fire service.”

👨‍🚒 Thank you, Ryan, for your dedication to the Town of Alton and for answering the call!

04/04/2026

We do get treats on occasion but this is definitely a first! Thanks to a very generous resident, crews will be eating well tonight! Much appreciated!!!!

04/04/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday – Brandon “Pasta” Rague 🚒

This week, we’re proud to highlight Firefighter/AEMT Brandon “Pasta” Rague, who brings a strong work ethic, great attitude, and passion for serving the community.

🔹 What made you want to become a firefighter/AEMT?
After working as a CNC machine programmer, I realized I wanted more variety in my work life. My brother, who is also a firefighter, convinced me to go to the academy—and it was the best decision I ever made.

🔹 What drew you to the Town of Alton?
I was drawn to Alton because of the wide range of calls we handle. What other place can you think of with a mountain in the middle of a lake?!

🔹 How long have you been with Alton Fire & Rescue?
I’ve been with Alton full-time for just under a year. This is my first full-time fire position, and I’m extremely grateful to serve a community like Alton.

🔹 What’s your favorite part of the job?
I enjoy hearing stories from our patients and learning about their experiences during transports.

🔹 What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have an associate’s degree in industrial design.

🔹 What do you like to do when off duty?
I love snowboarding in the winter, fishing and spending time on the lake in the summer, and playing pickup basketball whenever I can.

💬 Advice for future firefighters:
“Don’t get discouraged if something doesn’t go the way you planned. Setbacks and failures are some of the best opportunities to learn and grow.”

👨‍🚒 Thank you, Brandon, for your dedication to the Town of Alton and for stepping up to serve your community!

04/02/2026

There will be a large police presence around the West and Central Stations in conjunction with the Belknap Regional Special Operations Group for medical training. There is no emergency.

03/30/2026

We appreciate the community’s continued support on warrant articles in recent years! However, for the day to day operations, upkeep, maintenance, replacement of essential small (non-capital) equipment, and staffing, we respectfully request your support on a revised operating budget.

Stay tuned for additional “Coffee with the Chief” events, this is a great opportunity to meet and greet our staff and better understand the challenges facing your fire department.

03/27/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday – Lieutenant Sam Norford 🚒

This week, we’re proud to highlight Lieutenant Sam Norford, a dedicated member of Alton Fire & Rescue who has spent over a decade serving our community with professionalism, skill, and commitment.

🔹 What made you want to become a firefighter/AEMT?
Helping people, and doing something different and exciting every day.

🔹 What drew you to the Town of Alton?
I enjoy the diverse types of incidents we handle—especially water and ice-related calls, as well as lost or injured hiker incidents.

🔹 How long have you been with Alton Fire & Rescue?
12 years.

🔹 What’s your favorite part of the job?
I enjoy the satisfaction of helping people and thinking outside the box to solve difficult or unusual situations.

🔹 What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I really enjoy studying history.

🔹 What do you like to do when off duty?
I enjoy spending time outdoors and doing activities with my 8-year-old son.

💬 Advice for future firefighters:
“Try to learn something new every day.”

👨‍🚒 Thank you, Lieutenant Norford, for your 12 years of dedication to the Town of Alton and for always answering the call!

03/20/2026

🚒 Firefighter Friday – Cody Griffin 🚒

This week, we’re proud to highlight Firefighter/AEMT Cody Griffin, a dedicated member of Alton Fire & Rescue serving our community with professionalism, compassion, and a great sense of humor.

🔹 What made you want to become a firefighter/EMT?
I’ve always liked helping people, and at first I didn’t plan on joining the fire service. My brother-in-law convinced me to apply, I went on one or two calls and got hooked.

🔹 What drew you to the Town of Alton?
The geography and the diverse types of calls Alton responds to. Not to mention the family I’ve come to know within the town.

🔹 How long have you been with Alton Fire & Rescue?
I’ve been on the department since March of 2022 as a per diem and went full-time in May of 2025.

🔹 What’s your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is being able to make positive connections with the community I serve, and live within.

🔹 What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I love Elton John and enjoy forestry calls!

🔹 What do you like to do when off duty?
I spend time at home with my family. I have two sons who are basically mini me’s—so “relaxing” isn’t the right word. It’s more like using our combined powers to drive my wife crazy.

💬 Advice for future firefighters:
“It’s the best job in the world—full of great moments and tough ones. If you’re joining, learn as much as you can and train as much as you can, and you will succeed.”

👨‍🚒 Thank you for your dedication to the Town of Alton and for always answering the call Cody!