01/16/2026
Welcome to RFD Connections — January 16, 2026
Between the Bells
The first weeks of the new year often land between the bells—a time for catching up, resetting routines, and getting back into rhythm after the holidays.
Across the department, calendars are refilling, inboxes are clearing, and plans are taking shape behind the scenes. Not every moment needs a spotlight, but all of it matters.
We’re gearing up for what’s ahead and look forward to sharing more stories, events, and updates soon. Until then, stay safe, stay warm, and keep doing what you do best.
Service with Heart: A Look Back at 2025
Throughout 2025, Hearts on Duty recognized the people behind the badge — those whose compassion, leadership, and commitment strengthen our fire family in ways that often go unseen.
These spotlights weren’t about rank or recognition. They were about consistency. About showing up for others. About leadership rooted in care, mentorship, and service beyond the call. Starting off in July, each month reflected the heart of our department and the values that define who we are.
Below is a look back at the Hearts on Duty spotlights from 2025. Each month is a feature honoring those who embodied service with heart.
The Capital Area Firefighters Gala🔥
Through the Flames of Time: Why This Night Matters
Some nights are more than a date on the calendar.
The Capital Area Firefighters Gala is a chance to pause from the pace of the job and come together to honor the tradition, service, and people who define the fire service. It’s a night rooted in shared history, pride, and the connections that carry us forward.
This evening recognizes the legacy built by those before us while supporting the causes and organizations that continue to give back to our fire service community.
It’s a chance to step out of bunker gear, share a meal, raise a glass, and spend time with those who understand what this job asks—and what it gives in return.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available.
Visit our Shop page for info.
We hope you’ll join us for an evening of connection and celebration.
🏀Sports!
The Raleigh Dream Team!
Raleigh Fire Basketball has teamed up with RPD to play in a basketball league hosted by the Department of Adult Corrections.
The team is called Raleigh Dream.
The league will be playing at the Worthdale Community Center and admission is…FREE!
👋Retirements!👏
Upcoming… Captain Jason Lane
After 30 years of teaching, walking endless tracks around the parking lot and testing the load capacity of the area cell towers - Captain Jason Lane of Engine 11 A-Shift is hanging up his helmet. Please come out to Station 11 on January 27th at 11:30 for a lunch full of memories, stories and laughter as the crew of Station 11 sends him off into the world of retirement.
🔨 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.
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.
🪷Honoring Our Fallen: RFD Launches Annual LODD Memorial Ceremony
LODD Wreath Laying Ceremony
Raleigh Fire Department is establishing an annual Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor members lost in the line of duty. Each fallen firefighter will be recognized on the anniversary of their passing.
We will begin this tradition by honoring:
Herman S. Jones
Line-of-Duty Death: January 22, 2008
Thursday, January 22, 2025
11:00 a.m.
Keeter Training Center, Raleigh, N.C.
Additional details will be shared as appropriate.
🫵Reminder: Review Your 2026 Benefit Deductions for Accuracy✔️
As the 2026 benefit elections take effect with the new year, please review your January 2, 2026, paycheck to make sure your benefit deductions are correct. These deductions are based on the choices you made during the 2026 Open Enrollment period in October 2025.
To confirm your Core Benefits, log into PeopleSoft, open the Benefit Details tile, and select Benefits Statement to view your 2026 Open Enrollment Election Confirmation Statement.
To confirm your Voluntary Benefits, log into your Mark III account and review your Mark III Benefits Election Confirmation Statement.
If you have any questions or notice any discrepancies, please contact Human Resources at 919-996-3315 or HRSupport@raleighnc.gov.
🏒 A Hockey Event on the Horizon
Sometimes the earliest heads-up is enough to get our attention.
We’ve recently received word from organizers about a future hockey event that will benefit Fire, Police, and EMS. While the event is still a ways out and details are limited for now, we’ve been told they’ll be there — and that alone makes this one worth keeping on the radar.
Events like these aren’t just about competition on the ice. They’re about camaraderie, shared purpose, and coming together in support of the first responder community as a whole. Fire, Police, and EMS all showing up for one another — that’s always a win.
As more information becomes available, including dates and ways to support, we’ll be sure to share updates here. For now, consider this your early heads-up: something good is coming.
🙏 Thank you...
…for being part of the RFD family. We’re grateful for the people and moments that connect us, and we look forward to sharing more along the way. Stay safe, take care, and we’ll see you soon.
💡 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: newsletter@rfdconnections.com or keri.warner@raleighnc.gov
