07/17/2026
RFD Connections — July 2026 |Vol. 2
Serving the Raleigh Fire Family
As July rolls on, there's no shortage of ways to get involved across the Raleigh Fire family. In this edition, we're looking back at the first six months of our Hearts on Duty spotlights, sharing opportunities to grow your career, serve your fellow firefighters, and connect with one another both on and off duty. From firefighter applications and AWA deadlines to Honor Guard recruitment, a new Bible study fellowship, Fire Museum events, and the return of Battle of the Badges, there's something for everyone. Take a few minutes to catch up, get involved, and help keep our department's strong tradition of service, teamwork, and community moving forward.
EXTREME HEAT: STAY COOL, HYDRATED AND SAFE
Raleigh is expected to reach 100°F today. Extreme heat can become dangerous quickly, especially for older adults, young children, people with medical conditions, outdoor workers and anyone without reliable access to air conditioning.
Protect yourself and those around you:
Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Drink water regularly—do not wait until you feel thirsty.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent cooling breaks.
Check on older neighbors, young children and anyone who may need assistance.
Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Know the warning signs: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headache may indicate heat exhaustion. Confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures or a body temperature of 104°F or higher may indicate heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911 immediately.
Need somewhere to cool off? WRAL has compiled a list of places to cool down around Raleigh this summer
Six months. Six spotlights. One incredible department.
As we look back on the first half of 2026, we want to thank each of our Hearts on Duty honorees for allowing us to share a piece of their story. Each spotlight has shown a different side of service — leadership, compassion, dedication, humor, resilience, and the quiet impact our members make every day.
Thank you to each member who has been featured so far this year. Your stories help remind us that Raleigh Fire is built not only on skill and service, but on the people behind the badge.
You can read each full member spotlight on the Hearts on Duty Wall of Honor page.
Hearts on Duty: Celebrating the First Half of 2026
Join the Raleigh Fire Department!
Join Our Family!
Raleigh Fire Department is now accepting applications for the next Fire Academy. If you’ve ever thought about turning service, teamwork, and purpose into a career, now is the time to take that first step.
Applications are open through July 31, and this is a great opportunity for anyone ready to train hard, serve the community, and answer the call.
Don’t wait until the last minute — get your application in and start your path toward becoming part of the Raleigh Fire family.
2026 Annual Wellness Assessment (AWA) ends July 31
For those who are in still of need to complete biometric screening. The City of Raleigh is opening more biometric appointments on the July 21st and July 22nd: Register for your appointment at https://wakemed.as.me/CORBiometricScreenings. Check Your AWA Status Unsure if you have completed all the requirements? Check your AWA status by logging into your WebMD ONE Portal and accessing the "Rewards" section. If you have specific questions about the WebMD ONE Portal, call 888-932-6312. You can also contact Human Resources via email or by phone at 919-996-3315.
Raleigh Fire Department Honor Guard
The Raleigh Fire Department Honor Guard
is looking for dedicated members who are willing to serve our department in one of its most respected traditions.
Whether standing watch at a funeral, welcoming our newest recruits, or representing the department at ceremonial events, the Honor Guard serves as a visible symbol of our professionalism, pride, and respect for those who have served before us and those who continue to serve today.
If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to learn more about the expectations and commitment involved, please speak with any Honor Guard member or email Lt. James Jones at james.jones@raleighnc.gov
Upcoming! Bible Study Fellowship
Raleigh Fire Department personnel and retirees are invited to attend a new monthly Bible Study led by Assistant Chaplain Lt. DeSilver Nickerson.
The first gathering will be held Wednesday, July 22, at 7:00 p.m. at The Summit Church – Blue Ridge Campus, located at 3249 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh. The study will last approximately one hour.
Participation is completely voluntary and off duty. Meeting nights will rotate each month to give members from all shifts an opportunity to attend as schedules allow. No RSVP is required.
For questions or additional information, contact Lt. Nickerson at DeSilver.Nickerson@raleighnc.gov or 919-740-5651.
Raleigh Fire Museum Presents: The Annual Antique Fire Apparatus Muster! -Saturday Sept. 12, 2026-
Raleigh Fire Sports News
Coming Up: Battle of the Badges BJJ Returns!
Forget saving kittens from trees, or writing tickets for going 5 mph over, or calling for a lift assist. It’s time to settle the real debate: Who really runs the city? 🥋💥
🔫 Team Blue Lights & Sirens 🧨 Team Axes & Hoses 🤕 Team Band-Aids & Boo-Boo’s
The Stakes: The winner gets those priceless bragging rights!🚒🚓🚑
📅 Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
📍 Barwell Road Community Center
All proceeds go to the 200 club of wake county.
🏃🏽♀️➡️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.
🕊️In Memoriam:
🕊️Please keep the Barrows family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of Captain Chris Barrows' mother, Mrs. Cheryl Lee Barrows, who passed away on July 2nd.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, July 9th, 2026 at Bright Funeral Home of Wake Forest.
The full obituary can be found Here.
🔨 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.
