09/11/2026
RFD Connections — Sep 2026 |Vol. 2
September is already off to a busy start for Raleigh Fire. Since our last edition, we’ve celebrated the graduation of Academy 57, welcomed Big Red as the official RFD Connections mascot, recognized our September Hearts on Duty spotlight, and continued building momentum with the Raleigh Fire Foundation. We’re also heading into a packed stretch of community events, competitions, training opportunities, and department activities. Here’s a look at what’s been happening — and what’s coming up next.
Academy 57 Graduates
Congratulations to the members of Academy 57, who officially graduated on September 2 and joined the ranks of the Raleigh Fire Department.
The graduation ceremony was held at Providence Church and featured NC State Softball Head Coach Lindsey Leftwich as guest speaker. Her message centered around teamwork, commitment, and the mindset it takes to succeed as part of something larger than yourself.
Graduation photos are now available through RFD Connections and Flickr. Congratulations to Academy 57, and welcome to the Raleigh Fire family.
September Hearts on Duty: Captain Lynch
This month’s Hearts on Duty spotlight recognizes Captain Lynch, a member of Academy 38 who joined Raleigh Fire in 2013.
Visit the Hearts on Duty Wall of Honor on RFD Connections to read his full spotlight and revisit previous honorees.
Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Keep those nominations coming so we can continue highlighting the people who make Raleigh Fire what it is.
September is Suicide Awareness Month
September is Suicide Awareness Month and an important reminder that no one should feel like they have to carry a heavy load alone.
RFD Connections has gathered a number of support resources specifically for first responders and anyone who may need someone to talk to, including 988, the NC Peer Warmline, NC First Responder Peer Support, Safe Call Now, Frontline Helpline, and local support resources.
Whether you need help yourself or are concerned about someone else, reaching out matters. Sometimes the most important question we can ask is simply: Are you okay?
Additional resources are available on the RFD Connections website.
Raleigh Fire Foundation is Up and Running
The Raleigh Fire Foundation continues to build momentum and is officially accepting donations.
The Foundation was created to support Raleigh Fire members and their families, community outreach, training opportunities, morale initiatives, department-related programs, and other needs that strengthen the Raleigh Fire community.
With banking established and the website now live, the Foundation is moving into its next phase and beginning to build awareness throughout the department and community.
Learn more, get involved, or make a donation at raleighfirefoundation.org.
You may also see Foundation representatives at upcoming community events, so stop by, say hello, ask questions, and learn more about what we’re working toward.
Meet Big Red
The votes are in, and our little red RFD Connections mascot officially has a name.
Welcome, Big Red!
After plenty of submissions, votes, and opinions, Big Red came out on top. You’ll be seeing a lot more of him around RFD Connections, department announcements, events, and social media.
Apparently running a fire department communications page requires a mascot now. We don’t make the rules.
RFD Line of Duty Death Memorial Coins are now available for purchase at KTC.
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.
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.
Raleigh Fire Museum Annual Antique Apparatus Muster
The Raleigh Fire Museum’s Annual Antique Apparatus Muster returns Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event is a great opportunity to see historic fire apparatus, connect with members of the fire service community, and support the Raleigh Fire Museum.
RFD Connections and the Raleigh Fire Foundation will also be on hand. Stop by, visit with us, learn more about the Foundation, and help support the work ahead.
Battle of the Badges Basketball Tournament
Also happening Saturday, September 12, Raleigh Fire members will head to Rocky Mount for the Battle of the Badges Basketball Tournament.
The event begins at 1 p.m. at the Rocky Mount Event Center and brings together public safety teams for a day of competition, camaraderie, and probably just enough trash talk to keep things interesting.
Good luck to everyone representing Raleigh Fire.
Chaplain Nickerson Fellowship Meeting
Chaplain Nickerson will host another voluntary fellowship gathering on Friday, September 18, at 7 p.m.
The meeting will be held at:
The Summit Church — Blue Ridge Road Campus
3249 Blue Ridge Road
Raleigh, NC
All are welcome to attend.
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 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.
Finley Cup Challenge
We’re checking interest in forming an RFD team for the Finley Cup Challenge—an Olympic-style adult field day and team-building event benefiting the A.E. Finley YMCA’s Annual Campaign.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m.
A.E. Finley YMCA
9216 Baileywick Road, Raleigh
We’re seeking 8–14 participants, ages 18 and older. If you’re interested in joining the team, please contact Lt. Andre Somme 919-637-8704
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.
🐣Welcome Baby 👶
Congratulations go out to Captain Shane Whittington and his wife Marian on the birth of their daughter.
Ali May Whittington was born at 11:04am on August 31st. Mom and baby are happy and healthy, and doing well!
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
🔨 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.
