Honorees

← Back to directory

Year Honored
1996
Honoree
Kenith Patterson
Agency
Lynchburg Lifesaving Crew
Agency City
Lynchburg
Agency State
VA
Last Call
3/18/36
Cause of Death
Other Trauma
Biography
Kenith Patterson, one of the 13 original members of the Lynchburg Life Saving Crew. voluntarily canceled the leave of absence he had been given to be at the bedside of his father who was near death. He had received a telephone call telling him of serious flood conditions, and the need for workers. Kenith reported for duty.<br /> <br /> He worked with the other brave members of the Lynchburg Life Saving Crew all night. Several people were rescued. Kenith returned to his parent's home in the morning and almost immediately was called to return to duty.<br /> <br /> Just prior to the tragedy, Patterson had gone to the rescue of J.M. Proffitt, a locks tender, and his daughter and grandson. After they were put safely ashore, he took the boat on a mission to save records at a lower basin company. The boat overturned when it hit the guy wire on a submerged telephone pole.<br /> <br /> Exhausted from more than 24 hours of volunteer activity, and weighted down by hip boots and a heavy overcoat he clung to the pole, but exhaustion and the turbulent flood waters soon pulled him under. Kenith drowned. He was 28 years old. A double funeral was held for Kenith and his father, H.W. Patterson.<br /> <br /> Honored 1996