RFD Connections: RFD Connections

🔥 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!

🧶 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!

📘 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.

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

🫂 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 Sports Highlights

🏒 Hockey

Raleigh Fire took the win over Charlotte Fire, 9-1! To all who came out to support your team, and to make donations to the Children's Burn Center we thank you! "The boys came to make a statement and they did just that. From the locker room joking with each other, to the on-ice play. It’s all around a fun time and I couldn’t ask for more" said Defenseman Cody Heakins about the recent game.

Thank you, Charlotte FD for your hospitality, we hope to return the favor by having you all come to Raleigh in the future!

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

🏀 Basketball

Lay-Ups for Linda is hosting a Battle of the Badges event on Saturday August 23^rdat 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 the 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