Friends react to McMinn Firefighter
403 views · Published 28 August 2012 · 1:41 · Indexed 25 October 2026
Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics
By: Drew Bollea People in McMinn County are mourning the death of a volunteer firefighter.According to McMinn County Sheriff, Joe Guy, officers found Dennis Patterson, 60, dead from gunshot and stab wounds at his home in Riceville. The suspect was Patterson's estranged wife's nephew, Jason Baker, who was recently released from jail. A police report says Baker was covered in blood and mumbling to himself that he killed Patterson. Patterson made an impact in the community. He had been a volunteer with the Calhoun Fire Department for 20 years. Charles Lavasseur said Patterson was one of his best friends. Lavasseur also volunteered at the station and said he would, " miss the camaraderie and just hanging out the most."Others in the department fed off Patterson's energy and welcoming personality."I was kind of inspired by his attitude towards life," said Co-Captian Mike Cronan. The Calhoun fire department will be missing not only a captain and friend. "he was my brother," said Lavasseur, "he was my brother in the fire service and my brother in life. I believe."Baker has been charged with first degree murder and is being held in the McMinn County Justice Center without bond.He'll be arraigned Monday morning
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