We, the undersigned residents, citizens, and supporters, respectfully submit this petition to rename a portion of Highway 41 in honor of Pete Batton—a devoted husband, father, retired fire chief, and true servant of the people and community.

Pete Batton dedicated his life to protecting and serving others. As a fire chief, he responded to emergencies with courage, led with humility, and mentored countless firefighters and first responders. Beyond his uniform, he was a pillar of his community—generous with his time, compassionate in his actions, and deeply committed to making the world around him better.

On May 24, 2025, Pete Batton was tragically killed in a rear-end collision. His death was a painful reminder of how precious and fragile life is—and how quickly a moment can take away a lifetime of service, love, and leadership.

Renaming the section of Highway 41 West from NC 87 in Bladen county to the Robeson county line in his honor would not only recognize the decades of service Pete gave to his community and the county, but it would also serve as a lasting reminder of the importance of road safety, personal responsibility, and public service. His name on this road would speak for generations—reminding all who travel it that lives like Pete’s must never be forgotten.

We urge the appropriate officials and decision-makers to support this initiative and help ensure Jimmy (Pete) Batton’s legacy lives on through this honorable designation. Money donated goes to promote this petition or to the change.org platform itself. There is no fund currently for Pete Batton.