11/7/2025
RFD Connections — November 7, 2025
As the seasons shift and the holidays draw near, the Raleigh Fire Department continues to show what makes our family so special — community, camaraderie, and a shared passion for giving back. From hearty firehouse meals and growing families to honoring our retirees and remembering those we’ve lost, this month’s stories capture the heart of who we are.
🎖️ Veterans Day is Almost Here!
Next Tuesday, November 11, we’ll pause to honor all who’ve served our country with courage and pride.
To every veteran within RFD and across our community — thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued example of dedication. ❤️🤍💙
👉 City of Raleigh offices will be closed Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
(Your firefighters, as always, will still be on duty! 🚒🔥)
🎖👨🚒Hometown Heroes First Responder Appreciation Lunch
Gwen from Sir Walter Chevrolet has invited all Wake County first responders to a free luncheon they are offering on November 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the dealership at 8501 Glenwood Avenue.
Captain Terrent Wiggins (E18, A-Shift)
I am excited to nominate Captain Terrent Wiggins for recognition. Consistency is the hallmark of Captain Wiggins. He exemplifies dependability in every sense of the word — no matter the day, circumstance, or challenge, his steady attitude and professionalism remain the same.
Since joining the department, Terrent has trained with recruits from nearly every academy class, treating each one with patience, respect, and attention to detail. His colleagues describe him as someone who “never misses,” because he delivers the same high standard of performance whether conditions are ideal or incredibly difficult. His calm demeanor, paired with his relentless dedication to the job, makes him a cornerstone of his company and a model for what it means to serve with pride.
We appreciate your commitment, professionalism, and leadership — thank you, Captain Wiggins, for everything you do for the Raleigh Fire Department.
🔥 Firehouse Holiday Favorites
From the station kitchen to your family table, we’re sharing the recipes that bring our RFD family together.
From firehouse chili cook-offs to Grandma’s secret cookie recipe, we’re collecting holiday favorites from our firefighters, retirees, admins, and families. Whether it’s a dish that’s fueled your crew through a long shift or a recipe that’s a staple at your holiday dinner, we want to share it!
🧑🍳 How to Submit
Send us your recipe (and a short story if you’d like!) using our Holiday Recipe Submission Form.
📸 Photos are encouraged — of the dish, your firehouse spread, or your family cooking together. Submissions will be featured throughout December on RFD Connections.
Deadline: Friday, November 21
🌲 Why Participate
This is about celebrating the heart behind the meal — the moments shared at the kitchen table, the laughter in the bay, and the pride in every dish that brings us together.
Whether you’re a seasoned station chef or a holiday potluck cook, we can’t wait to see what’s cooking in your home or firehouse this season.
👨👩👧 Family, Friendship, and Firehouse Fun
Station 20 Annual Family Day
Station 20 brought the fall spirit in style with their annual Family Day celebration!
Nearly 40 attendees enjoyed a delicious breakfast, pumpkin carving for the kids, and photos with a giant hay-roll pumpkin. Even when a structure fire call interrupted the fun, families jumped in to help — proving once again that teamwork runs deep in our RFD family. Captain Aaron Brents summed it up best: “Fun was had by all, and we can’t wait to do it again next year!”
👶 Welcome, Baby Finley Mae!
Welcome Baby Finley Mae!
Congratulations to Lt. Jordan Lairson (E9A) and his family on the birth of their baby girl, Finley Mae Lairson, born at 10:57 a.m., weighing 8 lbs 1 oz and measuring 20 inches long.
We’re so excited to welcome this beautiful new addition to the fire family!
🕊 In Memoriam
Terry Lindsay Putman
May 15, 1955 — November 2, 2025
We also keep Lt. Lindsay Putman (Ladder 12 C) and his family in our thoughts following the passing of his father, Terry Putman, on Sunday, November 2. Mr. Putman devoted over 30 years to law enforcement, serving with both the N.C. State Highway Patrol and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.
His funeral will be Monday, November 10 at Highland Baptist Church, 8524 Crowder Rd., Raleigh.
See more information and his obituary here.
James "Jim" Verlon Griffin, Jr.
March 13, 1948 — November 3, 2025
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Retired Captain James “Jimmy” Griffin, who passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, at the age of 77.
A Vietnam veteran, Capt. Griffin proudly served the Raleigh Fire Department from 1974 to 1999.
A graveside service will be held Friday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Duncan Baptist Church, 12024 Highway 42 West, Holly Springs.
A link to his obituary can be found here.
🫂 Honoring Our Retirees
The Annual Retiree Breakfast
The Annual Retiree Breakfast returns to Angie’s Restaurant (1340 W. Garner Road, Garner) on Tuesday, December 2 at 9:30 a.m.
This year’s breakfast will take place in the annex across the street (formerly the Wagon Wheel).
Cost: $15 per person
RSVP to dsummers@nc.rr.com or 919-772-0862.
👥 Retiree Outreach Support Group ☕
Retiree Outreach Support Group -☕
We Missed You! Let’s Keep the Connection Going
Our Retiree Outreach Support Group met yesterday — but we sure missed seeing some familiar faces!
This group is all about staying connected after the job: swapping stories, sharing a few laughs, and being there for one another through life after the fire service. It’s a relaxed, judgment-free space where everyone’s experiences and voices matter.
Whether you’ve been retired a while or just recently stepped away from the department, you’re part of this family — and we’d love to see you at the next get-together.
If you’d like to stay in the loop about future meetings (and maybe help us spread the word to others!), please update your contact info below. Let’s keep those connections strong — we’re truly stronger together. ❤️🔥
📘 RFD Yearbook Fundraiser – A Huge Success! 🙌
What an incredible response! Thanks to the overwhelming support from across the department, our RFD Yearbook Fundraiser raised an amazing $6,350.52!
This project was more than just a chance to collect memories — it was about coming together as one fire family to give back to causes that matter most to us. After department-wide voting, proceeds will be donated to two organizations close to the heart of RFD:
🏛 Raleigh Fire Museum – 64.8% → $4,115.54
Supporting the preservation of our department’s proud history and legacy for generations to come.💪 The Phoenix Project – 35.2% → $2,234.98
Honoring the life and work of former firefighter Nathan Burgess through programs that support first responder wellness and cancer awareness.
A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who purchased a yearbook, helped with sales, or spread the word — this success wouldn’t have been possible without you. ❤️🔥
If you missed your chance to grab a copy, don’t worry! The online store is still open, and books can now be shipped directly to your door.👉 Order your yearbook online here
👕 Sports & Community Spirit
🏀 Upcoming Sports Event:
🔥 Fire vs. Police🚔 Basketball
📅 Mark your calendars for December 13!
💳Tickets $10 at the door.
👕RFD Sports Merch: Holiday Sale Coming!
Hockey: Plans are underway for a March game — stay tuned for details from Cody and the crew.
Jiu Jitsu: Battle of the Badges shirts are on sale for $30. Contact Matt Williams (919-697-0873) to get yours.
Basketball: Mark your calendars for the Fire vs. Police Basketball Game on December 13!
🎟 Capital Area Firefighters Gala — Tickets on Sale!
Capital Area Firefighters Gala
Tickets are now available for the Capital Area Firefighters Gala, happening Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills.
Join us for a night celebrating tradition, connection, and service. Sponsorships and donations are still needed — reach out if your business or family would like to support this incredible event.
💡 Share Your Story
RFD Connections is your space to celebrate our people, our moments, and the bonds that make this department extraordinary.
If you have photos, event updates, or stories worth sharing, send them our way — we’d love to feature them in a future issue.
📧 Email: rfdconnections@gmail.com or keri.warner@raleighnc.gov
