07/03/2026
RFD Connections — July 2026 |Vol. 1
Serving the Raleigh Fire Family
Welcome to this edition of RFD Connections, where we’re celebrating milestones, new beginnings, remembrance, and the people who continue to make this department what it is. This week, we’re honoring Battalion Chief Chris Wilson as our Hearts on Duty spotlight, celebrating retirements and new RFD babies, sharing a recap from the Carolina Brotherhood’s 2026 Ride, and keeping families in our thoughts during difficult losses.
With Raleigh’s Fourth of July celebrations happening tomorrow — including NC Freedom Fest at the State Capitol and fireworks returning to Dix Park — it’s shaping up to be a busy holiday weekend. It’s also going to be a scorcher, with an Extreme Heat Warning in effect and Raleigh forecast near 103° on July 4, so hydrate like it’s your side hustle, check on each other, and stay safe out there.
Raleigh Fire Sports News
Carolina Brotherhood Completes 2026 Ride
The Carolina Brotherhood has completed its 2026 Ride, marking the organization’s 15th year of honoring fallen first responders and supporting the families they left behind.
The final leg of this year’s ride brought participants back into the Charlotte area, where they honored four law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty on April 29, 2024:
CMPD Police Officer Joshua Eyer
Investigator Samual Poloche
Investigator William “Alden” Elliott
Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks
Riders crossed back into North Carolina over the Buster Boyd Bridge, where they were met with a water salute from the Charlotte Fire Department and Charlotte Fire Boat 38. From there, they continued to Pineville Fire Department with escorts from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Motors and Pineville Police.
Despite arriving in heavy rain, the riders were welcomed by a large crowd of supporters, family members, and public safety partners. Family members of Investigator Sam Poloche and U.S. Marshal Tom Weeks were in attendance and shared memories of their loved ones, along with a U.S. Marshal who worked alongside Marshal Weeks. The evening ended with everyone gathering for dinner, fellowship, and remembrance.
This year’s ride covered an incredible 366 miles across North Carolina and South Carolina over five long days, with riders logging approximately 44,000 feet of climbing elevation. The 2026 effort included 70 agencies represented, 44 Brotherhood members, $25,000 raised, and time spent with 15 line-of-duty death families. In all, the Carolina Brotherhood remembered 26 honorees during this year’s ride.
The Carolina Brotherhood’s mission continues to be rooted in remembrance, support, and service. Their commitment ensures that the fallen are honored, their families are supported, and their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Planning is already underway for the 2027 Ride, and the Brotherhood continues to welcome support from those who wish to help carry this mission forward.
🏃🏽♀️➡️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 June 29, we had the honor of celebrating Captain James “Charley” Williams and his 29 years of dedication, service, and leadership.
Missed it? Check out the photo album!
Congratulations to Dr. Randy Egsegian on his retirement!
Dr. Randy snuck out quietly and officially retired on June 29 after six years of service with the Raleigh Fire Department. During his time with Professional Development, he brought knowledge, encouragement, and a genuine heart for helping others learn and grow.
We have truly enjoyed having Dr. Randy as part of the Professional Development team and are grateful for the time, wisdom, and support he shared with RFD. We wish him the very best in retirement and hope this next chapter brings plenty of rest, adventure, and well-earned joy.
Congratulations, Dr. Randy!
🐣 Welcome to the Family, Little Ones!
Welcome to the Family Little Ones!
Congratulations to FCFF Daniel Londono and his wife Rheanne on the birth of their daughter. Parker Addyson was born June 19th weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces and 21.25 inches long. Everyone is doing well.
Congratulations to FCFF Adam Pagidas and his wife Jenifer on the birth of their son. Noah Adam Pagidas was born at 8:33am on June 27th weighing 7lbs 6oz and measuring 20 inches long. Mom and baby are happy and healthy, and Adalyn is excited for her new role as big sister!
Please join Firehouse 12 in congratulating Captain Addison Lynch (12 C) and his wife, Sabrina, on the birth of their son! Jack Callahan Lynch was born at Rex Hospital on July 1st at 07:52 AM, weighing 7lbs 7oz. Mom, Dad, big sister Ellis, big brother Fisher and Jack are all happy and healthy. Congratulations Addison and Sabrina!
🕊️In Memoriam:
🕊️Please keep Firefighter Eric Champion and his family in your thoughts and prayers following the passing of his brother, Terrell J. Howell, on June 13, 2026. Terrell was born on March 30, 1996, and his loss is deeply felt by those who knew and loved him. During this difficult time, we ask that you keep Eric Champion and his family in your hearts as they navigate the days ahead.
🕊️Please keep the family of Senior Firefighter Steve Griffin and former Firefighter & Department Planner Alison Griffin in your thoughts and prayers following the passing of Alison’s mother Jenny Ren Sholar Gore. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by family.
🔨 Skills & Trades - Get Your Business 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.
