West of New Bern Fire Department

06/22/2026

Tonight at our monthly business meeting, we had the privilege of conducting our swearing-in ceremony for our board members and officers of the department.

A special thank you to Assistant Emergency Services Director Ira Whitford for administering the oath and helping mark this important occasion.

Please join us in congratulating the following members who were sworn in tonight:

• Brian Weems - Chief
• Ryan Holsopple – Deputy Chief
• Justin Sawyer – Assistant Chief
• Clay Cuthrell – Captain
• Nick Blount – Lieutenant
• Justin Gardner - Lieutenant

Board Members:
Stuart Blount Josh Bell
Frank Haddock David Sawyer
Doug Ferguson Ricky Weems
Rob Patterson Ronnie Weems

• President - Stuart Blount
• Vice President - Rob Patterson
• Treasurer - David Sawyer
• Secretary - Josh Bell

We thank each of them for their commitment to serving our department and community. We look forward to another year of dedication, teamwork, and service.

Congratulations to all!

06/15/2026

Way to go Canes!!!!! ♥️🖤

THE CANES ARE THE 2026 CHAMPIONS!! 🌪️

06/07/2026

UPDATE: He is in custody!! 💙💙

Please be on the lookout for K9 Elliott!

UPDATE 6/7/26 5:40 PM - K-9 Elliot Located

K-9 Elliot was located near the Sheriffs Office and is ok.

———————————

Missing K-9 Officer

On June 7, 2026, K-9 Officer Elliot went missing following a training exercise at the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, located at 1100 Clarks Road New Bern, N.C.

K-9 Elliot was last seen entering the woods near the Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone who sees K-9 Elliot is asked to contact Craven County Communications at 252-633-2357.

06/03/2026

Good job by all!

06/01/2026

Training never stops.

This past weekend, two of our members, David Kittrell and Brandon Clontz, attended a Backstep Training Company course held at Johnston Community College. The class focused on engine company operations under live fire conditions, including hose line deployments, proper hose handling techniques, and flowing and advancing hoselines in realistic fireground scenarios.

On Saturday, several of our members joined by firefighters from neighboring departments for a hands-on extrication training event at E&J. The training, sponsored by Safe Industries, provided valuable experience using Paratech struts and lifting systems in vehicle stabilization and rescue operations.

We are proud of our members’ commitment to continuing education and training. Opportunities like these help ensure we are prepared to provide the highest level of service to our community when called upon. 🚒🔥

05/29/2026

For those attending the training tomorrow!

Also, please park on Wanda Ave by E&J and walk over to the training location at 3699 Neuse Blvd!

05/27/2026

Today, we were honored to celebrate the life of Amos O. Mantyla, III — a man remembered for his kindness, character, and service to those around him.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the West of New Bern Fire Department and the Craven County Fireman's Association Honor Guard for the respect and dignity they showed in honoring our friend, Amos, today. Your presence was a powerful tribute not only to his life, but to the brotherhood and tradition of service you represent.

We are also thankful for the commitment each of you makes every day to protect and serve our communities. Your willingness to stand watch in times of emergency, loss, and uncertainty does not go unnoticed.

Thank you for helping us honor Amos with such compassion and respect. ❤️🚒

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

As we spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, let us remember the true meaning of the day and keep the families of our fallen heroes in our thoughts and prayers.

From all of us at West of New Bern Fire Department we thank those who gave everything for our freedom. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Please keep the family of Emeritus Member Amos Mantyla in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve his passing. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him ♥️

Amos was born on January 16th, 1953 and passed away on May 21st, 2026 at the age of 73

05/18/2026

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩

Living near the Croatan National Forest means learning to live with wildfire. After the Great Lakes fire in 2023, several first responder, state & federal agencies got together to form the Croatan Area Fireshed Partnership. West of New Bern Fire Department is a member. And we need your help.

In the mail, you will soon receive a survey about a project we're doing in coordination with the Wildfire Research Center. Essentially, we want to reduce the impacts of wildfires in communities surrounding the Croatan. The survey will give homeowners a voice on community needs & how best to support local families & properties.

The data collected will NOT be used for tax purposes or to force anyone to take any action of any sort. It will help us better plan for, prepare, & live with wildfire in our communities. When you get the survey in the mail, please don't throw it away. Take time to complete it & mail it back in the postage paid envelope.

You can learn more about the Wildfire Research Center's risk assessments & household surveys at the link:

https://wildfireresearchcenter.org/