09/26/2025
Hearts on Duty
Hearts on Duty highlights members of the Raleigh Fire Department who go above and beyond in service, leadership, and dedication.
Firefighter Nathan K. Fields of Station 26 – B Shift brings positive energy and a can-do attitude every day, lifting up his crew and setting an example of perseverance.
Nathan continually sharpens his fireground skills and serves our country in the United States Navy. He also represents RFD on the RFD Hockey Team, strengthening camaraderie across the department.
On the fireground, in uniform for his country, and out in the community, Nathan’s spirit shines. We’re proud to celebrate him as one of our hearts on duty.
RFD IS HIRING — APPLICATIONS CLOSE SEPT. 30
Deadline: Sept. 30, 2025
Starting Salary: $56,825
Academy Dates:
February 2026 (EMT-certified)
March 2026 (non-EMT)
RFD EVENTS TEAM BLANKET FUNDRAISER
The RFD blanket sale is almost gone! This time, proceeds will help support the Events Team fund, covering costs for the Firefighters Gala, socials, RFD team sports, and other morale-building efforts.
Blankets are $50 each, with a portion of each sale going directly into the Events Team fund (after credit card fees). Whether you buy one for yourself, your station, or as a gift, your purchase goes a long way in helping us continue to serve the department beyond the daily grind.
🗓️ Orders are open through Sept. 30, 2025 — don’t miss out!
BATTLE OF THE BADGES — BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
MC: Eric Tansey | Refs: Chris Lewter & Daniel Branch | Commentator: Karl Krebs
Matchups: Patrick Coates vs. Eric Hoster · Jonathan Davis vs. Kevin Masterson · Riley “The Ambulance Assassin” Huneke vs. Mel “The Hose Hammer” McLaurin · Sheri “The Enforcer” Abraham vs. Nikki “The Inferno” Barnes
📅 Sat, Oct 4 · 📍 Barwell Rd Community Center · 💵 $50 fighters | $10 spectators
Proceeds benefit The 200 Club of Wake County.
BATTLE OF THE BADGES — FLAG FOOTBALL
📅 Sat, Oct 11 | 9:30 AM · 📍 Buffaloe Road Athletic Park (5900 Buffaloe Rd, Raleigh)
💙 Proceeds benefit local charities, including the Children’s Burn Center.
Want to play? Contact Andre Somme at 919-637-8704.
FIRE VS. POLICE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
📅 Sat, Dec 13 | 9:00 AM · 📍 Ravenscroft School (7409 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh)
🎟️ $10 Adults | Kids Free (donations encouraged) · 💙 Proceeds benefit the NC Burn Center
PICKLEBALL INTEREST? Stay tuned for details on a new internal tournament.
CITY OF RALEIGH BENEFITS & WELLNESS FAIR
📅 Fri, Oct 10 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · 📍 Nash Square
The time for Open Enrollment is just around the corner and the City of Raleigh will kick off the season with the Benefits and Wellness Fair.
City employees are invited to come out on Friday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nash Square. Employees can explore the many resources available to support health, well-being, and financial
wellness. Employees will have the opportunity to connect with benefits and wellness vendors, ask questions, and learn about the programs.
This year's Open Enrollment period will span from Monday, Oct. 13 through Friday, Oct. 31.
All benefits-eligible employees will have the opportunity to review, enroll in, or make changes to their core and supplemental benefits.
Important: This year’s Open Enrollment is active. You must re-select and re-enroll in your benefits - previous elections will not carry over to 2026.
Make sure your personal information in PeopleSoft is accurate to avoid missing important communications.
Check out Corecon for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at 919-996-3315 or email HRSupport@raleighnc.gov.
More info: CORECON · HR 919-996-3315
👶 TINY TOT ARRIVAL! 🍼
Congratulations to Senior Firefighter Chris Patterson and his wife Lauren on the birth of their son, Weston Kershaw Patterson. Born on September 21, weighing 5 pounds, 13 ounces, Baby Weston is already the pride and joy of the Patterson family. Mom and baby are both doing well—and word is, Weston hasn’t left Dad’s sight since the moment he arrived!
The 2-4 House and the entire RFD family join in celebrating this exciting new addition.
Welcome to the world, Baby Weston! 🎉
