On Monday, the Raleigh Fire Department (RFD) marked the retirement of one of its own with an exceptional honor. Fire Battalion Chief Keith Wilder, after 38 years of diligent service, was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, as noted in an announcement posted by the City of Raleigh. This prestigious award, among the highest a citizen can receive in North Carolina, seeks to acknowledge individuals who have made significant contributions to the state.
Recipients of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine are designated as honorary ambassadors for North Carolina, a recognition that Wilder now carries after a career replete with dedication. He has always striven to reliably serve the community—not only fighting fires but engaging in advocacy: championing healthcare for fellow firefighters and lobbying to secure line-of-duty death benefits for their families.
Wilder's tenure at RFD was marked by varied assignments, spanning across 14 different roles, including a significant 20-year period with the Hazmat team. One of his notable contributions was his instrumental role in establishing the department's Health and Safety Compliance Division in 2021. Having led this division up until his retirement, Wilder's emphasis on healthcare and safety has been a commendable thread throughout his illustrious career.
In a ceremony at Fire Station 12, Wilder expressed his gratitude upon receiving the award. "This is a huge honor, but I couldn't have accomplished any of this without everyone's help," he said, in a statement obtained by the City of Raleigh.
