03/27/2026
RFD Connections — March 2026 | Edition 3
Serving the Raleigh Fire Family
Spring is bringing a strong sense of momentum across the Raleigh Fire Department.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a little bit of everything — academy activity, retirements, LODD ceremonies, and sports competitions — all while final preparations for the Capital Area Firefighters Gala have been underway. It’s been a steady reminder of the strength, dedication, and connection that define our fire family.
The Capital Area Firefighters Gala🔥
Sales Are Closed! Did you make the deadline?
The Capital Area Firefighters Gala is quickly approaching, and this night is all about bringing our public safety family together.
While ticket sales have officially closed, you can still be part of the experience by securing a room at the Hilton and joining us for the full weekend.
👉 Visit our Shop page, or use the link below to reserve your room.
Make a night of it—stay, connect, and celebrate alongside your fellow firefighters, families, and public safety partners.
Let’s make this a night worthy of the uniform — past, present, and future.
🔔Retirement Season is in Full Swing!👏
Retirement season continues across the Raleigh Fire Department, and over the past week, we’ve had the honor of celebrating several outstanding members whose careers have left a lasting impact on this department.
On March 20, members gathered at Station 27 to honor Captain Frank Black, recognizing a career built on leadership, dedication, and service.
On March 21, we came together at Station 25 to celebrate Firefighter Arturo Andino, marking the close of his chapter in uniform and the beginning of a well-earned next one.
On March 23, members gathered at Station 28 to recognize Captain Paul “Care Bear” Witmer, celebrating not only his years of service, but the personality, camaraderie, and impact he brought to the job every day.
And on March 25, we gathered once again at Station 2 to honor Senior Firefighter Corey “The Mayor” McGee, recognizing his commitment, contributions, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Today, we look forward to gathering at Station 20 to celebrate Captain Joel West, as he closes out his career surrounded by the department he’s served.
Each of these retirements is more than a date on the calendar — they represent decades of service, sacrifice, and the relationships that make this department what it is.
Thank you to each of these members for the impact you’ve made on Raleigh Fire. Your legacy doesn’t end here — it continues in the people you’ve trained, worked beside, and inspired.
🔥 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.
🔨 Keep Those Skills & Trades Coming In!🔌
📩 Want to be listed?
Raleigh Fire Sports News
🎳 Bowling Team Update
Raleigh Fire Department hit the lanes again on March 25, but came up short this week. Even with the loss, the team is still holding strong in the standings and keeping the pressure on.
According to the latest rankings, RFD is currently sitting in a tied 7th place position in the league —right in the middle of the pack with plenty of season left to make a move.
Every week counts, and this crew has already shown they can compete—so expect a bounce-back performance next time they step up to the line.
Let’s keep cheering them on as they roll into the next matchup.
Interested in joining? Contact Andre Somme 📞 919-637-8704📧 andre.somme@raleighnc.gov
The team meets every Wednesday at 6 PM at Stars & Strikes Bowling in Raleigh.
The team took a hit this week—but we’re not out.
RFD Bowling is sitting in a tied 7th place and ready to climb. 🎳
Next week, we bounce back.
🏋🏽♀️First Annual Piedmont Classic Coming in May
Firefighter Jenny Jaskolka, of Station 3/A, is set to compete in the First Annual Piedmont Classic on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in China Grove, NC. Her coach, Megan Prato, is also a Cary firefighter.
Jenny will be competing in the Novice Lightweight Women’s Division—her first time performing these lifts in competition (and her first time pulling a fire truck!). We’re excited to see what she can do.
Spectators are free, and additional details on parking, vendors, and sponsors will be shared as the event approaches. If you own a business and are interested in partnering, please reach out through the event website.
For more information, visit:
https://ironpodium.com/browse/ev/piedmont-classic
In the meantime, let’s show up and support one of our own.
🏒2nd Annual Battle of the Badges Hockey Face Off - TONIGHT!
Friday, March 27, 2026. Doors open at 6. Game starts at 7.
See the Raleigh Police Department compete against the Raleigh Fire Department in a friendly ice hockey match! The Battle of the Badges is a public event and is free to attend, with an optional donation. Proceeds to support Hurricanes Sled Hockey and The Reason Outdoors.
This is a non-ticketed, general admission event with donations accepted at the door and online. Parking is free. Follow parking sign and parking attendant directions to the East and South lots.
Bags 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller are permitted. For details on exemptions and FAQs, please visit our Bag Policy page. The Bag Policy applies to all Lenovo Center events.
👀 Interest Check: Track Opportunity🏃
• 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
🏃🏽♀️➡️Firefighter Fitness Competition🏋🏽
Firefighter Fitness Competition
Registration is now open for Fittest 2 Serve, a firefighter vs. fighter fitness competition hosted by Apex Fire Department.
📅 Saturday, October 17
📍 Apex, NC
Departments of all fitness levels are encouraged to participate.
Event details and registration information:
https://fittest2serve.my.canva.site/
Consider forming a team to represent Raleigh Fire.
📚📖Raleigh Fire Academy Update
RFD Fire Academy – Ac 57 is now neck deep in EMT, and Ac 56 is learning fire ground procedures…
🍴Annual Retiree Luncheon Announcement
Mark your calendars! The Annual Raleigh Fire Department Retiree Luncheon will be held on May 1, 2026 at Raleigh Fire Station 12. The RPFFA Cook Team is excited to bring this event back and looks forward to reconnecting with many of our retired members.
📅 May 1, 2026
🕚 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 Station 12
🌸 Honoring Our Fallen: RFD’s LODD Memorial Ceremony
This year, the Raleigh Fire Department officially launched a new annual tradition with its Line-of-Duty Death (LODD) Wreath Laying Ceremonies, held at the Keeter Training Center.
Established to ensure our fallen members are formally recognized each year on the anniversary of their passing, these ceremonies stand as a lasting commitment to remembrance.
On March 20, the department gathered to honor Lieutenant Brent A. Upton, surrounded by leadership, members, family, and friends. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of Lt. Upton’s service, sacrifice, and the enduring impact he left on those who knew him.
Through the laying of the wreath, presentation of honors, and shared moments of reflection, we continue to carry forward the legacy of those who came before us—not just in memory, but in the way we serve each day.
This tradition will continue as a standing commitment of the Raleigh Fire Department, ensuring that each fallen firefighter is honored with the respect, dignity, and remembrance they deserve.
🐣Celebrating Birth’s
Welcome Babies Leaptrott & Kirk!
Congratulations to Captain Russ Leaptrott and his wife, Allison, on the arrival of their third child, Alden Grace. Alden was born 3/25/26 at 0839, weighing 6 pounds, 4 ounces. Mom, baby, and family are all doing well—welcome to the world, Alden!
Congratulations go out to Firefighter Bryce Kirk and his wife Jacqueline on the birth of their daughter. Nadia Kirk was born at 07:22 on March 10th. Everyone is doing well!
🕊️In Memoriam
Former Lt. Darren Strapp passed away on March 19, 2026. His full obituary can be found HERE. A memorial service will be held at a later date, possibly in early May. All are welcome to attend, but to ensure the location can accommodate everyone, as well as keep you updated on the details, that family would like for you to please fill out the interest form at the following link: Express Interest in Attending the Service
Please keep Battalion Chief Dennis Marshall and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Chief Marshall's Father, Tommy Marshall, passed away 3/17/26. Further information will follow once arrangements have been made.
Lieutenant Kevin “Termite” Godwin’s mother, Mrs. Evelyn Norris Godwin of Benson, passed away at home on Sunday, March 15, 2026 surrounded by her family. Visitation was held at the Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Benson on Thursday March 19, 2026 and the Graveside Service was held at Roselawn Cemetery in Benson on Friday March 20, 2026.
Upcoming Holidays
April Fool’s Day 4/1
Passover 4/2
Good Friday – Easter (CoR facilities will observe Easter on Good Friday 4/3)
💡Have an update, retirement, event, or team news to share?
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: contact@rfdconnections.com or keri.warner@raleighnc.gov
🙏 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 of each other, and we’ll see you in the next edition of RFD Connections.
