05/08/2026
RFD Connections — May 2026 | Vol. 1
Serving the Raleigh Fire Family
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that taking care of ourselves and each other matters just as much as the work we do every day. In the fire service, we often carry more than what people see, and this month serves as an important opportunity to check in, speak up, and support one another without hesitation.
Welcome to the May 2026 Edition 1 of RFD Connections! As always, we’re bringing you department updates, events, recognitions, retiree news, and moments worth celebrating across our fire family. Thank you for continuing to make this community what it is — connected, supportive, and stronger together. ❤️🚒
🌀Hurricane Preparedness Week
Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and Hurricane Preparedness Week serves as an important reminder that now is the time to prepare — before a storm is already headed our way.
From understanding watches versus warnings, to building emergency kits and making family evacuation plans, taking small steps now can make a major difference later. In North Carolina, hurricanes and tropical systems can impact communities far beyond the coast, bringing flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, and extended power outages.
This week, we’re sharing important preparedness information and graphics from trusted weather and emergency management partners to help keep our fire family and community informed, prepared, and safe.
Take the time now to review your plans, check your supplies, and make sure your family knows what to do before, during, and after a storm. Preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow.
📆 Upcoming Events:
NCFFF Annual Memorial: Saturday May 9, 2026, Nash Square
2026 Spring Promotional Ceremony: Wednesday June 3, 2026 at City Council Chambers at 1pm.
Captain Jayson Ramsey’s Retirement Celebration: May 28, 2026, Station 7 - Noon
Academy 56 Graduation: Friday May 22, 2026 at Providence Church at 11am.
Raleigh Fire Sports News
RFD Clay Shoot Brings Members Together at Drake Landing 🎯🔥
On May 6, members of the Raleigh Fire Department gathered at Drake Landing for a day of sporting clays, fellowship, and friendly competition hosted by Chaplain Jeff Neal. With approximately 21 participants in attendance, the event gave members and retirees an opportunity to step away from the daily grind and enjoy some time together outdoors.
Between the course, golf carts, good food, and plenty of broken clays, the day was filled with camaraderie and laughs — exactly what events like this are all about.
While everyone became scattered throughout the course and lunch (which unfortunately meant no group photo this time around 😅), the event was considered a great success, and plans are already in the works for another shoot later this year — possibly this fall. Hopefully next time we’ll catch everyone long enough for a photo before they disappear into the woods with shotguns and sweet tea.
Thank you to Chaplain Jeff Neal for organizing another great opportunity for members to connect outside the station walls. ❤️🚒
Carolina Brotherhood Ride
Ready to ride: June 21 - 27
T-SHIRT PRE-SALE IS LIVE!
The 2026 Honoree T-Shirts are officially available in the shop! Presale runs now through June 15. Orders will begin shipping around June 22
https://carolinabrotherhoodride.org/shop/
The Carolina Brotherhood is a 501c3 charitable organization composed solely of emergency responders, and their families, from across North and South Carolina. Founded in 2010 by two Charlotte (NC) firefighters, it has grown to include over 100 emergency responders who have participated over the last decade. Their mission is to provide financial and emotional support to the families of emergency responders who become sick, injured, or killed in the line of duty.
They accomplish their mission by cycling across North and South Carolina, annually varying their route in order to meet the families and friends of our fallen heroes. This time with families and friends allows them to learn about their loved one, hear their stories, and get to know the fallen heroes on a personal level.
🏋🏽♀️First Annual Piedmont Classic-May 9
💪 On the Platform – Firefighter Jenny Jaskolka
Firefighter Jenny Jaskolka (Station 3/A) is gearing up to compete in the First Annual Piedmont Classic this Saturday, May 9 in China Grove, NC—and we’re excited to cheer her on.
This will be Jenny’s first competition in the Novice Lightweight Women’s Division, marking a big step as she takes her training to the platform. And if that’s not enough—this will also be her first time pulling a fire truck in competition. No pressure, right?
Jenny has been putting in the work, and it shows. It takes a lot to step into something new like this, and even more to do it in front of a crowd. We’re proud to have her representing RFD and can’t wait to see what she does.
Spectators are welcome, and more details on parking, vendors, and sponsors will be shared as the event gets closer. If you’re in the area, come out and support.
If you have updates, photos, or additional information about Jenny’s competition, send them our way—we’d love to share and continue supporting her journey.
🔗 More info: https://ironpodium.com/browse/ev/piedmont-classic
🏃🏽♀️➡️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.
🔔Retirement’s to Celebrate👏
On April 27, 2026, we had the honor of celebrating Captain Josh Freeman and his 28.5 years of dedication, service, and leadership.
Most recently, on April 29, 2026, the department recognized Assistant Chief Brian Sherrill, celebrating the impact he has made throughout his long career with the Raleigh Fire Department.
🍴RPFFA Hosted the Annual Retiree Luncheon on May 1
Thank you to the RPFFA, the cook team, and everyone who came out to make this year’s retiree luncheon such a success! It was a wonderful afternoon filled with good food, familiar faces, laughter, and plenty of stories shared among generations of the Raleigh Fire Department family.
We were also pleased to welcome a representative, Ms. Josephine, from the Retired Government Employees Association (RGEA), who shared information and resources available to retirees, including insurance and benefit-related programs. While the room made hearing a little challenging at times (firefighters gathering quietly? impossible 😅), we hope the information was helpful and sparked interest for those looking to learn more.
Additional information about RGEA and the resources they offer can be found at:
Retired Government Employees Association (RGEA)
Thank you again to everyone who helped organize, support, and attend this special event. We always enjoy seeing our retirees back together and look forward to next year already. ❤️🚒
The Shirt Off Our Back…For Our Retirees
RFD-branded (and non-duty) apparel remains available for purchase through the retiree store:
🔗 https://raleighfiredepartment.itemorder.com/shop/category/416975/
Quick Notes:
Mix of cotton and polyester options
True-to-size fits (based on feedback)
Some youth sizes available
Select station-specific items (Stations 12, 14, 21)
Ladies-cut options, hats, and drinkware available
Orders ship directly to you
For general questions contact Battalion Chief David Penny
📧 david.penny@raleighnc.gov 📱 919-369-9845
🔨 Skills & Trades - Get Known!🔌
📩 Want to be listed?
💡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.
