Chief Keith Owens Junior Fire Academy

07/04/2026

Gamewell Fire Department is pleased to be a part of the greatest nation on Earth. Join us in celebrating 250 years of independence!!

06/23/2026

2026 Basic & Advanced Cadets participating in their graduation ceremony for the Chief Keith Owens Junior Fire Academy. Video Credit: Don Kirby Photography

After a week long junior fire academy, the cadets participated in a...

06/20/2026

The week long junior fire academy ended today with a demonstration, graduation and luncheon. There were 27 Basic Cadets and 14 Advanced Cadets who participated. Here is an awesome video that was made to highlight some of the events throughout the week. If you think your child may be interested in participating next year, the online application begins March 1-March 31. It is for 5th-8th graders at that time. Enjoy the video!!

This is the 8th year for the Chief Keith Owens Junior Fire Academy....

06/14/2026

Yesterday, Gamewell Fire Dept. hosted the 2026 Boot Camp. We had 10 campers to attend. A huge shout out to Lenoir Fire Department and Collettsville Fire & Rescue. The campers learned about a ladder truck, a brush truck, an engine as well as equipment used for swift water rescue. Thanks to all of those who volunteered their time to share this valuable information with the campers and perhaps "sparked" their interest in emergency services. Our photographers: Don Kirby and Jody Sperbeck. Click on the link for the Google Photo Album.

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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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