Gaston County Firefighter Dies After Battle With Pancreatic Cancer

Joey Pullen, a longtime Cramerton firefighter, passed away at the age of 52 after a two-and-a-half year fight with the disease.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Gaston County firefighter named Joey Pullen has died at the age of 52 after a two-and-a-half year battle with pancreatic cancer. Pullen, who was originally from Belmont but most recently lived in Gastonia, began his firefighting career over 20 years ago and was known for his dedication to helping others even when he was sick.

Why it matters

Pullen's passing is a tragic loss for the Cramerton Fire Department and the broader Gaston County community, where he was beloved for his selfless service and commitment to helping those in need. His story highlights the devastating impact of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest forms of the disease, and the difficult challenges faced by first responders who put their lives on the line.

The details

About two-and-a-half weeks before his death, Pullen told his brother Arthur that doctors had decided to take him off his cancer medication because it was no longer working. Despite his declining health, Pullen continued to help others, even driving to Bessemer City to assist someone with their heating system. Pullen was part of the original group of firefighters who joined the Cramerton Fire Department when it incorporated in 2012, and he was named the department's firefighter of the year in 2024.

  • Pullen died at 11:55 p.m. on February 19, 2026.
  • Pullen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer around two-and-a-half years ago.

The players

Joey Pullen

A 52-year-old firefighter who spent over 20 years serving in the Belmont, McAdenville, and Cramerton fire departments, and was known for his dedication to helping others even when he was sick with pancreatic cancer.

Arthur Pullen

Joey Pullen's brother, who was with him when he passed away.

Betsy Pullen

Joey Pullen's wife, who was at his bedside when he died.

Nelson Wills

The mayor of Cramerton, who praised Joey Pullen's service and dedication as a firefighter.

Cramerton Fire Department

The fire department where Joey Pullen served for over a decade, and was named firefighter of the year in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“Joey meant so much to everyone around him, including his family. The family was at his bedside the night he passed away, so he was surrounded by love, and when he took his last breath, we were standing right there with him.”

— Arthur Pullen, Joey Pullen's brother (gastongazette.com)

“Just being a fighter, which is, that's what firefighters do. We are blessed and fortunate to have these guys that will run into a dire situation without blinking. It just takes a different type of person. He epitomized that through the fight with pancreatic cancer.”

— Nelson Wills, Mayor of Cramerton (gastongazette.com)

The takeaway

Pullen's story is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of pancreatic cancer and the immense sacrifices made by first responders who put their lives on the line to serve their communities. His selfless dedication to helping others, even in the face of his own declining health, is a testament to the bravery and compassion of firefighters like him.