RFD Connections — Oct 2026 |Vol. 1
Welcome back, RFD family—and welcome, fall!
Hand surgery put a brief pause on our first October issue, but we’re back on schedule with plenty to share. This edition brings department celebrations, new additions to the RFD family, community support, and a few important reminders as we head into November.
Thank you for your patience and for keeping the news and photos coming. Whether your Halloween plans involve costumes, candy duty, or a shift at the station, we hope you find a little time to enjoy the season. Grab your coffee and catch up with RFD Connections!
Dates to Remember
October 30: Open enrollment closes.
October 31: Halloween.
November 1: Daylight Saving Time ends—remember to turn your clocks back one hour.
November 7: Battle of the Badges Flag Football Tournament.
November 11: Veterans Day / City of Raleigh holiday.
November 12: LODD remembrance ceremony honoring Captain Nate Burgess.
November 20: SRFF Jamie McLamb’s retirement celebration, Station 26, 11:30 a.m.
November 21: Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament.
Open Enrollment Closes October 30
Don’t let the deadline sneak up on you! Open enrollment for core and voluntary benefits is underway and closes Friday, October 30.
This is an active enrollment period. All benefit-eligible employees must select and enroll in their benefits—current elections will not automatically carry over to 2027. Your selections will take effect January 1, 2027, and remain in effect through December 31, 2027.
For questions or assistance, contact Human Resources at 919-996-3315 or HRsupport@raleighnc.gov.
Hearts on Duty: Chief Shelton “Scott” White
This month’s Hearts on Duty spotlight celebrates Chief Shelton “Scott” White and his 26½ years of service to the Raleigh Fire Department.
The reflections shared by his colleagues offer a chance to recognize the person behind the rank and the difference he has made throughout his career. Join us in celebrating Chief White and thanking him for his service to our department and community.
Celebrating Our Newly Promoted Members
Congratulations to everyone recognized at the October 9 Promotional Ceremony!
Each promotion represents years of preparation, commitment, and service. We’re proud to celebrate these members as they take on new responsibilities and continue serving Raleigh alongside their crews.
Thank you to the families, friends, colleagues, and mentors who have supported them along the way.
Retirement Celebration: SRFF Jamie McLamb
Join us in celebrating SRFF Jamie McLamb and wishing him the very best in retirement!
Friday, November 20
11:30 a.m.
Station 26
Stop by to share a memory, offer your congratulations, and help send Jamie into his next chapter with plenty of good wishes from his RFD family.
Around the Department
Battle of the Badges: Jiu-Jitsu
The October 2 Battle of the Badges Jiu-Jitsu Tournament brought another opportunity to represent the department and connect through competition. Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Battle of the Badges Jiu Jitsu Championship winners, The Firefighters!
Congratulations Firefighters!
Standing with Durham
Our thoughts remain with the family, friends, and colleagues of Durham firefighter Andrew Brokes, and with everyone affected by his line-of-duty death.
Thank you to our Raleigh personnel who responded and to those who have supported our neighbors in Durham during this difficult time. Please continue to look out for one another and make room for a conversation or a check-in when someone needs it.
Coming Up
Battle of the Badges Flag Football — November 7
Come cheer on our team at the Battle of the Badges Flag Football Tournament on Saturday, November 7, at Buffaloe Road Athletic Park!
Interested in playing? Contact Andre Somme at 919-637-8704.
Battle of the Badges Softball — November 21
Mark your calendar for the Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament on Saturday, November 21. Whether you’re taking the field or cheering from the sidelines, we’d love to see you there!
Nominate a First Responder for a Spa Day
They take care of us. Let’s take care of them! Nominate a local first responder who deserves to be taken care of. Three nominees will be selected to receive a complimentary spa day at Float Spa Raleigh North with two services of their choice. Nominate a firefighter, EMT, Paramedic, Law Enforcement Officer, or 911 Dispatcher in the comments below or at the link in bio. Include their name, social handle, and why they deserve it.
3 recipients will be chosen on National First Responder Day, October 28th.
Raleigh Fire Foundation Updates
Hoodie Season Is Here
Cooler weather calls for a good hoodie—and the Raleigh Fire Foundation hoodie collection is available now!
Explore the designs and find your favorite. Hoodies ship directly to buyers, making it easy to support the Foundation from wherever you are.
RFD Line of Duty Death Memorial Coins are available for purchase at KTC.
Coins are $20 each, with proceeds supporting LODD remembrance efforts and the Raleigh Fire Foundation.
Quantities are limited.
Thank You, Crooked Hammock!
A big thank-you to Madi and the Crooked Hammock Brewery team for welcoming us for the October 14 First Responders Takeover!
We enjoyed spending the evening with our community, sharing the Foundation’s mission, and connecting with everyone who stopped by. Thank you to our board members and volunteers who helped make the evening possible, and to E16 and SQ14 for joining us while remaining in service.
We appreciate Crooked Hammock’s support and look forward to more opportunities to come together.
Fit4Life Gives Back
Please join us in thanking Fit4Life for its generous $500 donation to the Raleigh Fire Foundation!
Support like this helps us continue building a Foundation that serves our members, their families, and our community. We appreciate Fit4Life’s commitment to supporting local first responders and are grateful to have them alongside us.
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.
