Chief Keith Owens Junior Fire Academy

04/29/2026

✝️ Celebrating the Life of Chief Keith Owens – A Faithful Servant

Mount Zion Baptist Church invites family, friends, and the community to a reverent Homegoing Service honoring the life and legacy of Chief Keith Owens.

🕒 Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM
📍 Mount Zion Baptist Church – Sawmills, NC

This service will be filled with heartfelt tributes, Scripture, music, and testimonies of a life lived in faith and service.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

Livestream available at mzbcnc.org and on our page so loved ones near and far may participate.

🙏 All are welcome. Prayer, comfort, and community encouraged.


mzbcnc.org | Mount Zion Community Radio 92.9 FM

04/27/2026

ATTENTION SAWMILLS:

On Thursday April 30th, a Memorial Service for Chief Keith Owens will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church. Between the time of 1:00pm to 5:00pm you may see an increase of emergency vehicles in the area. Minor traffic delays may occur.

Helena Street across from Mount Zion will be utilized for fire apparatus parking along the cemetery. (Cemetery side only) vehicles can enter Helena Street from Cajah’s Mtn. Road, but will not be able to exit. Jay Street will remain completely open for traffic flow.

If you have any questions, please call Town Hall at 828-396-7903.

04/26/2026

04/25/2026

Keith Franklin Owens, age 70, departed his earthly residence and entered his Heavenly home on April 24, 2026. Keith was born on September 10, 1955 in Caldwell County, North Carolina to the late Roy and Mary Owens. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother,

04/25/2026

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.

04/22/2026

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03/31/2026

TOMORROW is the LAST DAY to apply!! Don’t miss this great opportunity. Please share this post so others will know.

Be sure to sign up for the Chief Keith Owens Junior Fire Academy. Deadline is fast approaching. Scan QR code for application and details.

03/25/2026

The countdown is on.... 7 more days until the deadline. Here's the link to the application. https://forms.gle/rPWbcix4LRgo2sUa7
Be sure to share so that others may apply!

03/09/2026

Be sure to sign up for the Chief Keith Owens Junior Fire Academy. Deadline is fast approaching. Scan QR code for application and details.

02/27/2026

Attention: Current 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders.........Limited spots are available so be sure to sign up for this FREE week long academy. The deadline is March 31. (Read details below). The committee will then review all applications and applicants should know by mid April. Any questions, please email [email protected]. Here is the link for the online application. https://forms.gle/ZLKyb2RXW6jWHMDD9