02/27/2026
Welcome to RFD Connections — February 27, 2026
February is moving fast — and so is the department.
Between retirement celebrations, gala planning, training opportunities, and events taking shape across the city, there’s a steady rhythm carrying us into the heart of the year. We’re honoring careers well served, preparing for what’s next, and continuing the work that keeps our fire family connected.
You’ll find moments of recognition, important reminders, and ways to stay involved — on duty and beyond it.
Thank you for being part of what makes this department strong.
The Capital Area Firefighters Gala🔥
7 weeks until we gather — not just as coworkers, but as a public safety family.
The Capital Area Firefighters Gala is almost here, and this night is for all of us — active members, retirees, and our partners across public safety who serve beside us every day.
This isn’t just a formal event.
It’s a room filled with stories.
It’s reunions years in the making.
It’s tables where fire, law enforcement, EMS, and public safety professionals come together off duty — connected by service.
To our retirees — you built the foundation.
To our current members — you carry it forward.
To our public safety partners — you stand shoulder to shoulder with us.
Seven weeks to reconnect.
Seven weeks to celebrate service across agencies.
Seven weeks to honor the legacy of those before us while supporting the future of our community.
This night is about tradition.
It’s about pride.
It’s about the bonds formed on long shifts, tough calls, and shared purpose.
🎟️ Tickets and sponsorships are available now.
Seats are limited — and this room will fill with the very people who understand exactly what this work demands.
👉 Visit our Shop page, or click the links below, and secure your seat at the table.
Let’s make this a night worthy of the uniform — past, present, and future.
🔔Retirement Season is in Full Swing!👏
🎖 Recently Honored
Retirement season is officially underway, and we’ve already had the honor of celebrating two outstanding captains.
On February 19, 2026, members gathered at Station 15 to recognize Captain Kent Davies and thank him for a career marked by leadership, dedication, and steady service to the City of Raleigh.
Then on February 23, 2026, we came together at Station 18 to celebrate Captain Terrent Wiggins, honoring a legacy built on commitment, professionalism, and the kind of influence that leaves a lasting mark.
Both ceremonies reflected what makes this profession special — shared stories, well-earned appreciation, and the pride of a job done right.
📸 Photos from both retirements are featured in the carousels below.
There’s a rhythm to the fire service.
Academies begin. Promotions happen.
And then comes the season when we gather in bays and training rooms to say thank you.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll be honoring members of our RFD family as they close out decades of service. These aren’t just calendar dates — they’re milestones marking careers built on long shifts, tough calls, leadership, sacrifice, and legacy.
We encourage members, retirees, and public safety partners to attend when able and help send these individuals off the right way.
Below are the retirement celebrations that have been officially announced.
🔨 Keep Those Skills & Trades Coming In!🔌
📩 Want to be listed?
🌸 Honoring Our Fallen: RFD’s Annual LODD Memorial Ceremony
On January 22, the Raleigh Fire Department officially launched a new annual tradition with its first Line-of-Duty Death (LODD) Wreath Laying Ceremony, held at the Keeter Training Center.
This ceremony was established to ensure that members lost in the line of duty are formally recognized each year on the anniversary of their passing. The inaugural ceremony honored Firefighter Herman S. Jones, who died in the line of duty on January 22, 2008.
Surrounded by department leadership, members, family, and colleagues, the ceremony served as a solemn and meaningful reminder of the sacrifice made by those who came before us. Through the laying of the wreath, the presentation of honors, and a shared moment of reflection, the department reaffirmed its commitment to remembering our fallen — not just in history, but in practice.
This annual ceremony will continue as a standing tradition of the Raleigh Fire Department, ensuring that each fallen firefighter is honored with the respect, dignity, and remembrance they deserve.
The next LODD Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held on March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the Keeter Training Center, honoring Driver Vernon Smith. Members are encouraged to attend as we continue this important tradition of remembrance.
👶 TINY TOT ARRIVAL! 🍼
Welcome to the Family!
Congratulations to Lieutenant Lucas Rice (E-12B) and his wife Kate on the birth of their daughter! Scottie Anne Rice was born February 25th at 6:55 am. She weighed 7lbs. 3oz. Mom and baby are doing great.
Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Caleb Gamble and his wife on the birth of their baby boy. Will Gamble made his arrival at 3:35 am on February 19th. Mom, baby, and dad are all healthy and happy.
❤️Mental Health First Aid Training Available with CoR
The City of Raleigh will host a Mental Health First Aid class on March 5 at Marsh Creek Community Center. The course is a nationally-recognized course that teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives participants the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be struggling with a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis.
The class will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Alliance Health will facilitate the training session. Participants must be present for the entire training to receive their three-year certification. Space is limited, and lunch will be provided. Attendance at this event qualifies for a wellness activity credit toward the annual wellness assessment. Register on the corecon website today.
If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at 919-996-3315 or email wellness@raleighnc.gov.
*It’s tax time…..W-2 Forms are Available Electronically in Employee Self Service
Head on over to Employee Self Service and download your W-2. Best of luck to everyone in the tax game!
🔥 Planning for What’s Next: Pre-Retirement Conference for RFD Members🧑🚒
At some point, every helmet gets hung up for the last time.
Whether retirement is five years away or starting to feel real, planning ahead makes the transition smoother — financially and mentally. The City of Raleigh Human Resources Department is offering in-person Pre-Retirement Conferences this spring, and there is a dedicated session for Fire personnel.
These sessions are designed to walk you through the process step by step so you can move confidently into your next chapter.
💼 What Will Be Covered
The conference will review the Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS), including:
Retirement eligibility
Benefit calculations
Payment options
Survivor benefits
Retirement application process
Returning to work after retirement
➕ Additional Topics Include
Supplemental Retirement 457 and NC 401(k) Plans
Retiree medical and life insurance benefits
Medicare and BCBSNC Medicare Supplement plans
Emotional and mental readiness for retirement
Additional tools and retirement resources
📅 Fire Session Details
April 29
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Fuller Community Center
408 Ashe Avenue
Registration is required.
Attendance also qualifies for a wellness activity credit toward your Annual Wellness Assessment.
If you have questions, contact Human Resources at 919-996-3315 or HRSupport@raleighnc.gov.
If retirement is even remotely on your radar, this is a smart day to invest in yourself.
🏀🏒Raleigh Fire Sports News🏈🏃🏽♂️
🏀 RFD Basketball – Hometown Heroes Game Recap
The RFD Basketball Team hit the court at the NC State Hometown Heroes Game at the Lenovo Center, taking on NC State Police in a halftime scrimmage to represent our first responder community.
For every point scored, $100 was donated to the First Responders Children’s Foundation — A total of $1500 was raised! A win on and off the court.
Open gym continues every Thursday at 6pm at Green Road Community Center for anyone interested in joining.
👀 Interest Check: Upcoming Opportunities
We’re also gauging interest in:
🏈 Holt Brothers Flag Football
• Game Date: March 21
• 10–12 players needed by March 18
• Teaming up with PD
🏃 Track
• Interest deadline: April 3
• No limit to join
If you’re interested in participating contact: Andre Somme (919) 637-8704 -or- andre.somme@raleighnc.gov
🏒 A Hockey Event is Brewing………
Sometimes the earliest heads-up is enough to get our attention.
Plans are in motion for an upcoming hockey tournament this fall, bringing departments together for competition, camaraderie, and a good cause.
More details to come — but if you’ve got skates and a little competitive spirit, stay tuned.
🙏 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
