12/19/2025
Welcome to RFD Connections — December 19, 2025
Welcome, friends.
As the year winds down and the holidays approach, we’re reminded that this community—past and present, on-duty and retired, families and friends—is what truly holds us together.
Wishing you comfort, warmth, and meaningful moments throughout the holiday season. We’re glad you’re here.
As we head into the holidays, we’ll take a short pause and look forward to sharing more stories in the new year.
🎄 Holiday Traditions — On Shift or at Home🍾
The holidays don’t always look the same around here. Some of us are on shift, some are home with family, some are keeping things quiet, and some are doing a little of everything. However you’re spending the season, it’s often the small traditions that make it feel like the holidays.
We’ve rounded up a few festive mocktail ideas that are easy, alcohol-free, and perfect whether you’re on duty, hosting, or just want something seasonal in your cup. No fancy ingredients, no judgment — just simple, cozy options that everyone can enjoy.
And of course, you can adjust flavors however you choose…
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The Sparkling Cranberry Mocktail is a bright and cheerful drink that’s perfect for the holiday season. It mixes the tangy flavor of cranberry juice with the fizzy sweetness of Sprite Cranberry, creating a refreshing drink that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
2 oz cranberry juice
Sprite Cranberry to top
Fresh cranberries for garnish
1 sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish
Instructions
Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
Pour in the cranberry juice, then top with Sprite Cranberry.
Stir gently to mix, being careful to preserve the fizz.
Garnish with a handful of fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive flair.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
Add a splash of lime juice for a tangy twist.
Use sugared cranberries for garnish to add a sweet and sparkly touch.
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A punchy and refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail.
Ingredients
250 ml (8.5 oz) Belvoir Spiced Winter Berries Cordial
125 ml (4.2 oz) Fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
1 Liter Diet Canada Dry Ginger Ale
Instructions
Pour the berry cordial into a 1.5 liter jug. Add lemon juice and then pour in the ginger ale and stir.
250 ml (8.5 oz) Belvoir Spiced Winter Berries Cordial,125 ml (4.2 fl oz) Fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons),1 Liter Diet Canada Dry Ginger Ale
Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.
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I present to you this no added sugar Pomsettia: a blend of 100% pomegranate juice, club soda, and vodka (or not!) to celebrate the holiday season with!
Ingredients
2 ounces 100% pomegranate juice
4.5 ounces club soda (or sparkling water)
4 ice cubes
4 mint leaves
2 teaspoons pomegranate arils
Ingredient Tips
Pomegranate Juice: Any 100% fruit juice (preferably seasonal, like cranberry) will work in this recipe, just watch out for added sugars!
Pomegranate Arils: For a quick option, purchase ready-to-eat pomegranate arils from your refrigerated for frozen sections of the grocery store. Alternatively, to harvest your own arils from fresh pomegranate, check the FAQ below for a detailed how-to!
Seltzer/club soda: These carbonated beverages do not include any added sugar or sodium. Do not swap for tonic which does contain sodium!
We’d also love to hear from you, if you feel like sharing—tell us what this season looks like for you…—on shift, at home, or which holidays or traditions you enjoy this time of year, and for our retirees, what the holidays looked like back in the day. ❤️🚒
🚒 Station 3 Farewell & Upcoming Relocation Luncheon| December 11 🚒
On December 11, members of the Raleigh Fire Department—past and present—came together to honor the legacy of Station 3 as it prepares for its relocation in January.
For many retirees, Station 3 was more than an assignment or an address. It was a place where careers were built, lessons were learned, lifelong friendships were formed, and traditions were passed down from one generation to the next. The farewell lunch offered a meaningful opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and reflect on the years spent within those walls.
As Station 3 looks ahead to its next chapter, we pause to recognize the men and women who served from this location and helped shape the department we know today. While the building may change, the history, pride, and camaraderie tied to Station 3 will always remain part of Raleigh Fire’s foundation.
Thank you to our retirees for paving the way and for continuing to be an important part of the RFD family. This moment is not a goodbye—it’s a respectful salute to a legacy that carries forward.❤️🔥
Check out the video here.
⚾ Wake New Hope Fire Department Softball Tournament Recap | December 13
Strong departments. Strong families. Stronger together. ❤️🚒
This past Saturday, December 13, our fire service family showed up in a big way at the Wake New Hope Fire Department Softball Tournament—coming together for a day of friendly competition with an even greater purpose.
Thanks to the incredible support of participating departments and the community, $6,000 was raised to support two families from our neighboring departments:
Jamie Wall, wife of Wendell Fire Department Captain David Wall, who tragically passed away in November after her battle with ovarian cancer
Erika Bledsoe, wife of David Bledsoe, who is currently fighting stage 4 colon cancer
Fire departments from Wake New Hope, Wendell, Knightdale, Raleigh, and Cary came together to remind these families that they are not alone. The event also featured some familiar faces on the field, including Fire Chief Griffin, underscoring the department-wide support behind this cause.
This is the fire service at its best—showing up, standing together, and supporting one another when it matters most.
🏀Battle of the Badges Basketball Tournament Recap | December 13
On Saturday, December 13, we had an incredible time hosting the Battle of the Badges Basketball Tournament at Ravenscroft School. What started as friendly competition quickly turned into a day filled with energy, teamwork, and support for a great cause—raising $1,000 for the UNC Burn Center.
Six first responder agencies hit the court to compete, representing:
Raleigh Fire Department
Raleigh Police Department
NC State Highway Patrol
Durham Fire Department
Wilmington Fire Department
Rocky Mount Fire Department
Congratulations to the NC State Highway Patrol team for clinching the championship title, and kudos to our Raleigh Fire Department team for a strong, hard-fought finish as runners-up.
A huge thank-you to Ravenscroft School for their warm hospitality and excellent facilities, and to the staff and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make the event such a success. Events like this remind us how powerful it can be when friendly rivalry meets a shared purpose.
Events like this remind us how strong our first responder community is when we come together.
🔥The Capital Area Firefighters Gala
Through the Flames of Time: Why This Night Matters🔥
Some nights are more than just a date on the calendar.
The Capital Area Firefighters Gala was created to be a moment where we pause — not from the work, but from the pace — and come together to honor the tradition, service, and people that define the fire service. It’s a night rooted in pride, shared history, and the connections that carry us forward.
Every badge, every story, every generation has played a part in shaping where we are today. This gala is about recognizing that legacy while also supporting the future — the causes, organizations, and people who continue to give back to the fire service community.
It’s a chance to step out of bunker gear, share a meal, raise a glass, and be in the same room with those who understand what this job asks of us — and what it gives in return.
Whether you’re coming to celebrate tradition, support a meaningful cause, or simply enjoy a night surrounded by familiar faces, this event represents something bigger than one evening. It’s about showing up for each other, just as we always have.
We’re proud of the work that goes into making this night possible and grateful to everyone who helps support it — through attendance, sponsorship, or behind-the-scenes efforts.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the Capital Area Firefighters Gala are now available. Visit our Shop page for info.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of connection, reflection, and celebration.
👶Tiny Tot Arrival! 🍼
❤️ Welcome Baby Bullock!🥳
It is with great pride that Station 1- C Shift gets to announce the newest addition to our family. FCFF James (Jimmy) Bullock and his wife Savannah welcomed their baby boy Waylon Bullock into the world on 10/08/2025 at 21:08 hours. Waylon came into the world at 8lbs and 1oz and is already standing at 20.5" tall. Waylon and Savannah are both doing great. Jimmy is still working on his breathing exercises! Congrats on the newest member of the Bullock family as the well as the Station 1 family.
👨🚒Retirements!👏
We’re honored to recognize two upcoming retirements and celebrate the dedicated careers of members of the Raleigh Fire Department.
Chief Franklin “Clay” Hicks, Jr. will be honored for his 30 years of service with a retirement send-off on December 19 at Station 29, celebrating a career marked by leadership and service.
We also invite everyone to help celebrate Lieutenant Travis “T-Boy” Boykin, Engine 8, as he retires on December 29. His retirement celebration will take place at Station 8 starting at noon.
Please join us in thanking both for their years of dedication and the lasting impact they’ve made on the RFD family.
🫂 Honoring Our Retirees
The Retiree Outreach Support Group
The Retiree Outreach Support Group returns in January. More information to come….
We're continuing to grow our contact list for this group!
Please update your info using this form: 👉 RFD Retiree Contact Update Form
📖RFD Yearbook Fundraiser Donation💰 !
On Saturday, December 13, members of the Raleigh Fire Department Yearbook Committee had the honor of donating $4,115.54 to the Raleigh Fire Museum. We met at the museum for a photo and a moment to reflect on what this contribution truly represents.
This donation was made possible through the support, participation, and pride of our RFD family, and we couldn’t be happier to give back to a foundation that has meant so much to so many of us. The Raleigh Fire Museum plays a vital role in preserving our history, honoring those who came before us, and keeping the story of Raleigh Fire alive for future generations.
Being able to reinvest yearbook proceeds into an organization that has supported our department, our retirees, and our legacy feels full-circle in the best way. We are grateful, proud, and honored to support the Raleigh Fire Museum and the important work they continue to do.
(Proof that yearbooks aren’t just books — they’re legacy builders. 💪🔥)
🔨 Keep Those Skills & Trades Coming In!🔌🔥
Skills, Talents, and Trades Directory
We’ve already had some solid submissions come in for the Skills & Trades Directory, and we know there’s so much more experience, talent, and know-how out there across our RFD community.
If you’ve got:
a side hustle
a specialty trade
a creative or technical skill
or that familiar “yeah, I can help with that” ability
…we’d love to include it.
This directory is being built as a shared resource — a way for our extended RFD family to connect, support one another, and keep trusted work within the community whenever possible. Whether your skill is something you’re actively doing now or something you’ve mastered over the years, it all has value here.
If you’re on the fence or thinking “someone else probably already submitted this,” they probably haven’t. And if people have come to you before because you’re good at what you do — that’s exactly who this is for.
Let’s keep building this toolbox and show just how deep the talent runs. 💪🚒
🪷Honoring Our Fallen: RFD Launches Annual Wreath Laying Tradition
LODD Wreath Laying Ceremony
With the approval of Chief Griffin, the Raleigh Fire Department is establishing an annual Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor members lost in the line of duty. Beginning January, this new tradition will be held at Keeter Training Center and will recognize each fallen firefighter on the anniversary of their passing.
Each ceremony will serve as a moment of remembrance—ensuring every name is spoken, every life is honored, and every sacrifice is remembered.
Each member will be recognized annually as part of this ongoing tradition.
We will begin this tradition by honoring:
Herman S. Jones
Line-of-Duty Death: January 22, 2008
Additional details for the January ceremony, including time and attendance information, will be shared soon.
❤️ As we close out this edition of RFD Connections, we want to take a moment to thank every member of our department—active, retired, sworn, civilian, and everyone in between. Your dedication, resilience, and commitment to one another are what make RFD more than a department… they make it a family.
As we move through the holiday season and into the New Year, we hope you find time to rest, reflect, and recharge—spending meaningful moments with family, friends, and your RFD family.
From all of us at RFD Connections, we wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season and a healthy, hopeful New Year. Thank you for all you do, every day.
💡 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
