RFD Connections - August 14, 2025

🔥 RFD Connections: Gala News, Sports Updates, & Graduations!

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Capital Area Firefighters Gala – Tickets Available Now for RFD Members & Retirees!

The countdown is on! Secure your spot for a night of celebration, connection, and tradition at the Capital Area Firefighters Gala — happening Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills.

Hosted by the Raleigh Fire Department and themed "Through the Flames of Time", this elegant evening will honor the past, present, and future of the fire service in our region.

⚠ General sales open September 15 — prices increase on that date, so don’t wait to lock in your tickets at the special RFD rate!

🎟 BUY TICKETS NOW

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RFD Events Team Blanket Fundraiser – Back by Popular Demand!

Thank you for the continued support!

🧶 ORDER YOUR BLANKET

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🫂 Retiree Outreach Support Group – Let’s Keep the Connection Going

Thursday (8/14/25), we gathered for our very first Raleigh Fire Retiree Outreach Support Group meeting — and it was a great turnout! Thank you to everyone who came to share, listen, and help lay the foundation for this much-needed group.

While we’re thrilled with the participation, we know there are more retired members out there who could benefit from the friendship, support, and sense of community this group offers.

💬 Topics We’re Discussing

• Life after retirement
• Identity crisis
• Separation and feelings of loss
• Fear of failure
• Ways to cope and adapt
• Offering a listening ear and peer support
• Many more topics not listed here!

We also want all retirees to know that our staff psychologist is available free of charge to support your mental and emotional well-being.

📅 Next Meeting

Date & location coming soon.

📩 Stay Connected

Keri Warner will be collecting retiree phone numbers and email addresses to help us stay connected. You can also keep in touch through our blog: RFD Connections

📧 Contact

Chaplain Jeff Neal – jeffrey.neal@raleighnc.gov
📱 919-353-3839

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📢 Retirees – Help Us Stay Connected!

We’re updating our retiree contact list so you never miss important news, meeting invites, or updates on the RFD Connections blog.

Please take a quick moment to share your current email and phone number using this secure form:
👉 RFD Retiree Contact Update Form

Your information will remain private and only be used for retiree communications and RFD Connections updates. Thank you for helping us keep our fire family strong and connected!

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💰 RPD Fundraiser

The Raleigh Police Department is organizing a day of “friendly competition” along with a cookout to honor the life of Officer Ken Hopkins on August 16.

The event will take place at Buffaloe Road Park with registration beginning at 8:00 AM and the cookout starting at 11:00 AM. Various competitions will take place including a 1.5 mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and tug of war.

Please see flyer for more information or email Officer Eric Hinton at eric.hinton@raleighnc.gov.

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🏀 Basketball

Lay-Ups for Linda is hosting a Battle of the Badges event on Saturday, August 23^rd at the Davis Center in Wilmington. Teams playing this tournament are Leland Fire Dept, Leland Police Dept, Raleigh Fire Dept, Wilmington Fire Dept, and Wilmington Police Dept.

Get your tickets at WFD HQ or contact Nick Shepard at 910-553-0951.

This year's Lay-Ups 4 Linda shirts are available for pre-order now until July 31st. If you would like to order, please Venmo @Leslie-Grimord and add the amount with your name, size(s), and contact number. Shirts will be available for pick up a couple days before the tournament and at the event. For shipping, contact letgowithleslie@gmail.com. Visit Linda’s fundraiser page for more information on this cause.

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🤼 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Cops vs. Firefighters 🚔🚒

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled showdown! Join us Saturday, October 4th at the Barwell Road Community Center in Raleigh for a Cops vs. Firefighters Brazilian Jiu Jitsu event you won’t want to miss.

Expect:
🔥 High-energy matches
👕 Event merch
💪 Gym reps on-site
🎉 And plenty more!

💵 Entry Fee: $50 for fighters | $10 for spectators
🙌 All proceeds benefit: The 200 Club of Wake County – supporting the families of first responders.

📢 We’re looking for sponsors! Your support will help make this event a success while contributing to a great cause. Contact us for more details on sponsorship opportunities.

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🏈 Battle of the Badges – Flag Football Tournament
Mark your calendars! The Raleigh Fire Department will be hosting its first-ever Battle of the Badges Flag Football Tournament on Saturday, October 11 at 9:30 AM at Buffaloe Road Athletic Park (5900 Buffaloe Road, Raleigh).

We’d love to see teams from across our department and city hit the field for a great cause. All proceeds will benefit local charities, including the Children’s Burn Center.

📞 Interested in putting together a team or joining one? Contact Andre Somme at 919-637-8704.

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🚒 Academy 55 Graduation Ceremony

We’re proud to announce that Academy 55 will be graduating next Friday! Join us as we welcome our newest members into the Raleigh Fire Department family.

📅 Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM

📍 Location: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Raleigh

🎥 Can’t make it in person? The ceremony will also be live streamed, with details coming soon on how to watch.

Come and show your support for these dedicated men and women as they officially join our ranks. Let’s give them the warmest welcome to their new fire family!

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💡 Have something to share?
We’d love to hear from you! Send us your story ideas, event details, photos, or suggestions so we can feature them in a future issue of RFD Connections. This is your space to celebrate our people, events, and moments—on and off the job, current and retired.

📧 Email us at rfdconnections@gmail.com or keri.warner@raleighnc.gov

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RFD Connections - August 1, 2025

                           

I am excited to nominate Rescue 16 (C) Senior Firefighters Jason Ceisner and Josh Lull

for their exceptional dedication and initiative during our recent battalion training.

Each B5C company is responsible for developing and delivering training for the battalion annually. Recently, Rescue 16 had planned a bailout training exercise at an acquired structure. However, when a firefighter injury caused the training to be paused, Senior Firefighters Ceisner and Lull quickly adapted and organized a last-minute search drill at the same location.

Both SrFF Cesiner and SrFF Lull went above and beyond in the planning and execution of this drill. They brought in and constructed realistic props—such as bunk beds and a crib—to create a more immersive and effective learning environment. Additionally, they incorporated valuable knowledge from external training sources, such as the firefighter rescue survey, presenting it in a clear and practical manner that significantly enhanced our department’s understanding of critical responsibilities during search.

The quality of this training quickly gained recognition throughout the battalion and extended to other battalions on C shift, leading several other companies to request participation. Rescue 16 has since been running all C shift companies through the drill, with sessions ongoing throughout the day. For example, on this day they successfully conducted drills for S7, E17, L4, and L14, running training from 9 a.m. and are still going (at 4pm).

I am truly impressed and grateful for the entire Rescue 16 C team, and especially for Senior Firefighters Cesiner and Lull. Their passion for their craft and their humble approach to helping others improve are inspiring and invaluable to our department. They were able to teach new firefighters, Captains, and Battalion Chiefs in a way that resulted in a positive learning environment for all. 

Dena Ali 

Battalion Chief

Operations, 5th Battalion, C-Shift 

 

RFD Connections - August 1, 2025

 

🔥 RFD Connections: Gala News, Sports Wins, & Retirements!

 

📢 RFD Recent News

🎟 Gala Updates

Capital Area Firefighters Gala – Tickets On Sale Now!
                We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now available exclusively for Raleigh Fire Department members and retirees! Join us for a night of celebration, connection, and tradition at the Capital Area Firefighters Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills.

     Hosted by the Raleigh Fire Department and themed "Through the Flames of Time", this black-tie evening will honor the past, present, and future of the fire service in our region. Enjoy dinner, dancing, historical exhibits, and heartfelt tributes to those who serve.

RFD price: $75 per person / $750 per table

 ***General sales open September 15 – prices increase then, so don’t wait!

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🧶 Blanket Sales

We’re excited to announce the return of the popular RFD blanket sale!

Last time, blankets were sold at cost, and the response was incredible. This time around, we’d like to take it a step further — by using the sale as a small fundraiser to support the Events Team and the many department-wide activities we help coordinate throughout the year.

Blankets will be sold for $50 each, with a portion of the proceeds (after credit card processing fees) going directly into the Events Team fund. This will help us cover costs for events like Firefighter Field Day, the Holiday Social, and other morale-building efforts.

Whether you’re buying one for yourself, your station, or as a gift — your purchase will go a long way in helping us continue to serve the department beyond the daily grind.

Thank you all for the continued support!

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📘 Yearbook Progress

Yearbooks have been delivered. Keri isn’t perfect and if you ordered one and haven’t received it, or have issues, please contact her and she’ll get you squared away. Miss your opportunity to get one this time? Details for another opportunity to purchase are coming soon.

 

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 Upcoming Events

💰 RPD Fundraiser

The Raleigh Police Department is organizing a day of "friendly competition" along with a cookout to honor the life of Officer Ken Hopkins on August 16.  The event will take place at Buffaloe Road Park with registration beginning at 8am and the cookout starting at 11am.  Various competitions will take place including a 1.5 mile run, push-ups, sit ups, pull ups and tug of war.  Please see flyer for more information or email Officer Eric Hinton at eric.hinton@raleighnc.gov

 

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🫂 Retiree News

RALEIGH FIRE RETIREE OUTREACH SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

We're excited to invite you to the first Retiree Outreach Support Group meeting hosted by the Raleigh Fire Department.

This meeting is a chance to reconnect, share your thoughts, and help guide the future of a support group designed specifically for our retired members.

Date: 14 August 2025    Time: 2:00pm    Location: TBA RSVP: by August 1st 2025

Chaplain Jeff Neal    jeffrey.neal@raleighnc.gov    919-353-3839

RFD Connections - July 18, 2025

📢 RFD Recent News

🎟 Gala Updates
Planning is coming along great! Committee says they have two sponsors paid already and another in the mix. Know anyone who’d be interested in sponsoring? Tell them to contact anyone on the Gala Committee for details! RFD tickets go on sale August 1, 2025! Get them before the price goes up on September 15! Also, Instagram and Facebook Socials are live! 

🧶 Blanket Sales
Missed your chance to order? Keep an eye on the newsletter for updates about the next round of blanket sales.

📘 Yearbook Progress
Almost all the yearbooks have been delivered. Keri isn’t perfect and if you ordered one and haven’t received it, please contact her and she’ll get you squared away. Miss your opportunity to get one this time? Details for another opportunity to purchase are coming soon.

🏅 RFD Sports Highlights

Our members aren’t just heroes on the job—they’re fierce competitors off the clock too. From the track to the rink, our crews continue to represent the Raleigh Fire Department with strength, speed, and sportsmanship.

🏒 Hockey

On July 26th RFD Hockey will travel to face off against our brothers/sisters of the Charlotte FD for the first time! Entry fee is $10 & kids under 10 get in free. Game starts at 4pm at the Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail. All proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Burn Foundation.

Come out and support your team for a good cause!

This game is sponsored by Whiting-Turner. Thank you for your support!

🏀 Basketball

RFD Basketball has merch that will be here on 7/23/25!

Lay-Ups for Linda is hosting a Battle of the Badges event on Saturday August 23^rd at the Davis Center in Wilmington. Teams playing this tournament are Leland Fire Dept, Leland Police Dept, Raleigh Fire Dept, Wilmington Fire Dept, Wilmington Police Dept. Get your tickets at WFD HQ or contact Nick Shepard at (910-553-0951! This year's Lay-Ups 4 Linda shirts are available for pre-order now until July 31st. If you would like to order, please Venmo @Leslie-Grimord and add the amount with your name, size/s and contact number. Shirts will be available for pick up at a location to be specified a couple days before tournament and at the event. Looking to have a shirt shipped to you please contact letgowithleslie@gmail.com. Please visit Linda’s fundraiser page for more information on this cause.

  

🤼 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

🚔 Cops v/s Firefighters 🚒. Saturday, October 4th at the Barwell Road Community Center in Raleigh. There will be action, merch, gym reps, and tons more! 

Make sure you mark the calendar 📅 for this banger of an event!
$50 Fighter Entry Fee. $10 for Spectators.
🙌🏼 ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE 200 CLUB OF WAKE COUNTY.

We need your help! Are you interested in sponsoring an event? Contact us for more details.

 

🎉 Celebrating RFD Family Milestones

We’ve got some big smiles and even bigger milestones to celebrate this month—let’s hear it for the wins, both big and small! 🥳

🎖 Promotions & Retirements

🎉 Retirement
Please join us in honoring Senior Firefighter Jamie Gay, who officially retired on June 1, 2025. Thank you for your years of service and dedication!

🚒 Promotions
Effective July 26, 2025, the following personnel are promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Congratulations on this well-earned next step!

• Lt. Aaron Proctor
• Lt. Brandon Strickland
• Lt. Robbie Jones
• Lt. Devin Woodall
• Lt. Jordan Lamotta
• Lt. Cullen Brown

We’re proud of each of you!

👶 New Tiny Turnouts! 💗

💗 Baby Earl has arrived!!! FCFF Collin Earl (Station 3A) and his family welcomed their healthy, new baby boy, Asher Cohen on June 10th at 9:48 pm. Both baby and Mama are doing well and hopefully getting some much-needed rest. Congratulations to the family! 

💗 Exciting News from Station 22! We’re thrilled to announce that Caleb Smith (Station 22A) and his family have welcomed a brand-new recruit, Lindsey Smith 🥳Born on July 4th (already showing patriotic spirit!), little Lindsey weighed in at 7lbs 7oz and measured 20 in long, a perfect fit for the Smith family lineup. Mom and baby are doing great, and Caleb is beaming with pride! Please join us in sending big congratulations to the Smith family! 

💗 Congratulations go out to SFF Eric Godwin (Station 19B) and his wife Ashley on the birth of their son. Oliver Holmes Godwin was born July 6^th at 10:35 pm, weighing 8 lbs. Everyone is doing well! Congratulations! 🥳

💗 We've got some exciting news to share! Please extend a heartfelt welcome to the newest member of the Poole crew, Savannah Lynn! Savannah made her grand entrance yesterday, tipping the scales at a perfect 7 pounds, 7 ounces. According to Captain Davis Poole (Station 1A), mom, baby, and her two burly big-brother bodyguards are all doing well. And as all you seasoned "girl dads" out there know, a baby girl has this magical ability to turn even the toughest of us into a pile of mush, making us do things we never thought possible. Get ready for glitter, tea parties, and endless attitude, Davis!

 

📅 Looking for a year-at-a-glance RFD shift calendar? Look no further! 2025 & 2026 have been added to this site!

 

📬 Want to be featured? Have a shoutout, milestone, or fun moment you'd love to see in the next issue? Send it our way—we’d love to share it with the RFD family.