08/28/2026
RFD Connections — Sept 2026 |Vol. 1
A Lot Can Happen in a Week or Two…
There’s a lot happening around Raleigh Fire as August comes to a close. This edition brings a little bit of everything: welcoming a new academy, celebrating another milestone for Academy 57, recognizing one of our own through Hearts on Duty, remembering those we’ve lost, celebrating a new addition to the RFD family, and looking ahead to several events coming our way this fall.
As always, thank you for continuing to share the moments, milestones, photos, and stories that help keep our RFD family connected.
Remembering Chief W. Keith Tessinear
Remembering Assistant Chief W. Keith Tessinear
Today, August 28 at 11 a.m., Raleigh Fire will gather at the Keeter Training Center to remember Assistant Chief W. Keith Tessinear and honor his service and legacy.
Chief Tessinear died in the line of duty on August 29, 2019.
At 11 a.m., we will pause for a moment of silence in remembrance.
The ceremony is open to the public, and those who worked alongside Chief Tessinear are especially welcome to join us as we remember one of our own.
Raleigh Fire Line of Duty Death Memorial Coins are now available for purchase at the Keeter Training Center.
Coins are $20 each, with proceeds supporting LODD remembrance efforts and the Raleigh Fire Foundation.
These coins were created as a lasting tribute to the Raleigh firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice and as another way to help ensure their names and service are never forgotten.
Quantities are limited.
❤️ Celebrating September Hearts on Duty: Captain Addison Lynch
This month, we’re proud to recognize Captain Addison Lynch, a 13-year member of Raleigh Fire whose commitment to leadership and service reaches well beyond his role with the department.
A member of Academy 38, Captain Lynch is known for taking care of his crew, leading without seeking recognition, and consistently putting others first. He also serves as Fire Chief of Swift Creek Fire Department and has dedicated significant time to the annual Fallen Firefighters Golf Tournament, supporting fallen firefighters and their families.
A husband, father, firefighter, and community leader, Captain Lynch represents the kind of quiet dedication and heart for service that Hearts on Duty was created to celebrate.
Congratulations, Captain Lynch! ❤️🔥
Know someone who deserves to be recognized?
Academy 58 Begins Their Journey
Academy 58 officially began on Monday, August 17, welcoming a new group of recruits as they begin the challenging road toward becoming Raleigh firefighters.
Sixteen individuals have stepped forward to take on the months of training, learning, teamwork, and growth ahead of them.
Welcome, Academy 58! We look forward to following your journey.
Academy 57 Family Night
Academy 57 welcomed family and friends to Family Night on August 18, giving those closest to our recruits an opportunity to see a little more of what they have been working toward.
Thank you to all of the families who came out to support them and to everyone who helped make the evening possible.
And now, Academy 57 is approaching one of the biggest milestones of all…
Academy 57 Graduation
Academy 57 will graduate on Wednesday, September 2 at 11 a.m. at Providence Church.
Everyone is welcome to join us as we celebrate the newest members of Raleigh Fire. The ceremony will also be livestreamed for family and friends who are unable to attend in person.
Congratulations, Academy 57 — the finish line is in sight!
New Raleigh Fire Museum Coins
Coins are $20 each and are available at the Museum booth at the SAFRE conference, at the Raleigh Fire Museum, or with Keri Warner at KTC.
Building Support Beyond the Firehouse.
Raleigh Fire Foundation Receives 501(c)(3) Approval 🎉
Big news for the newly formed Raleigh Fire Foundation — the organization has officially received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit approval from the IRS.
There are still a few final administrative pieces underway, including banking and organizational setup, but this milestone brings the Foundation one major step closer to beginning fundraising and accepting donations.
The Raleigh Fire Foundation was created to support the Raleigh Fire Department, its members and families, department programs, training, morale initiatives, community outreach, and other department-related needs.
A website, social media pages, donation information, and much more will be coming soon.
We’re excited about what’s ahead — stay tuned!
Raleigh Fire Museum Presents: The Annual Antique Fire Apparatus Muster! Saturday 9/12/26
The Raleigh Fire Museum’s Annual Apparatus Muster returns on September 12.
Come out to see an incredible collection of vintage and modern fire apparatus, spend some time with fellow fire service enthusiasts, and enjoy a day celebrating Raleigh’s fire service history.
The Raleigh Fire Foundation will also be on site.
Charity Hockey Game!
RFD Hockey Brings Home the Win 🏒
Raleigh Fire hit the ice against Wilmington Fire Department for a charity hockey game — and came home with a mighty 9–2 victory.
More importantly, it was a great evening of camaraderie, friendly competition, and supporting a good cause.
Thank you to everyone who made the trip, cheered on the team, participated, or helped make the event happen.
Coming Up: Battle of the Badges BJJ Returns!
🚔 Cops vs. Firefighters 🚒
Everyone get ready because we have some great matches lined up for the 2026 Battle of the Badges Jiu Jitsu Showdown!
🗓️ Saturday, October 3rd
🚪Doors open at 10 AM and matches will start at 11.
📍Barwell Road Community Center 5857 Barwell Park Dr. Raleigh, North Carolina
We are still taking matches so go to the QR code or hit our link in bio to apply for some action!
Proceeds will go to the 200 Club of Wake County
October 5 — RPD Special Olympics Golf Tournament
Come out and support our Blue family
RPD will host its 2026 Golf Tournament benefiting Special Olympics North Carolina. Registration and additional information are available through the event page.
There’s plenty more coming as we head toward fall—so keep an eye on RFD Connections for updates, department events, opportunities and stories from across Raleigh Fire.
🏃🏽♀️➡️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.
Retirements!
Celebrating Captain Ralph Ripper
After a career of service to Raleigh Fire, Captain Ralph Ripper will work his final shift on Friday, August 28, ahead of his official retirement on September 1.
Captain Ripper hasn’t requested a large departmental retirement celebration, but there will be an opportunity for friends and coworkers to stop by Station 5 around lunchtime on August 28 to wish him well. A congratulatory cake will be waiting—and, more importantly, so will the chance to share a few stories and send him into retirement surrounded by some familiar faces.
Congratulations, Captain Ripper, and thank you for your years of service to Raleigh Fire.
🐣Welcome Baby 👶
Welcome, Cayston Levi Todd! 💙
Congratulations to Harrison Todd and his wife, Ashley, on the arrival of another little cowboy!
Cayston Levi Todd made his grand entrance on August 22 at 3:22 a.m., weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz.
Mom, Dad, and proud big brother Greyson are all doing well and enjoying their newest bundle of joy.
Congratulations to the Todd family on their newest blessing!
🕊️In Memoriam:
Keeping Our RFD Family Close
Please continue to keep the Johnny Allen family in your thoughts during this difficult time following the loss of his daughter-in-law, Kristen Allen.
Arrangements
Brown-Wynne Funeral Home
212 E. Chatham Street
Cary, NC
Visitation: Friday, August 29 at 5–7 p.m.
Funeral: Sunday, August 30 at 3 p.m.
Our thoughts are with Johnny and the entire Allen family.
Join the 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
And One More Thing… Our Little Friend Needs a Name 👀
You may recognize this friendly little character from RFD Connections — but now it needs a name!
Our new heart-centered RFD Connections mascot will be popping up around the blog, social media, department events, and other Connections projects, and we’d love for RFD members to help decide what to call it.
Have an idea? Send it our way!
🔨 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.
