06/19/2026
RFD Connections — June 2026 | Vol. 2
Serving the Raleigh Fire Family
June is moving quickly, and with summer officially underway, there is no shortage of activity across the Raleigh Fire Department. From community events and retirements to department milestones and employee achievements, this edition highlights the people and moments that continue to strengthen our fire family.
This month also includes two important observances. On June 19, we recognize Juneteenth, commemorating freedom and reflecting on our nation's history. We also celebrate Father's Day, honoring the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and role models who make a difference both at home and in our communities.
In this edition of RFD Connections, we're sharing highlights from the Station 3 Open House, recent department news, employee accomplishments, upcoming events, and more from across RFD.
Thank you for staying connected, supporting one another, and helping make Raleigh Fire a department we're proud to serve. ❤️🚒
📆 Upcoming Events:
Juneteenth – June 19
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday honors freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.
Father's Day – June 21
Father's Day is celebrated each year on the third Sunday in June as a time to recognize fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, guardians, and mentors who help shape our lives and communities.
The holiday traces its roots to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent. The first Father's Day celebration was held in 1910, and the observance became an official national holiday in 1972.
Independence Day – July 4
As we look ahead to Independence Day, we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marking the birth of the United States as a nation. The holiday is a time for communities to come together through parades, family gatherings, and fireworks while reflecting on the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy.
For firefighters, July 4 also serves as an important reminder to practice firework safety and help keep our communities safe during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
As we recognize Juneteenth, Father's Day, and the upcoming Independence Day holiday, we're reminded that each member of the Raleigh Fire family brings their own unique traditions, experiences, and celebrations to our table.
How do you celebrate these holidays? What traditions make them special for you and your family?
Share your stories, photos, and ideas with the RFD Connections team. Your traditions may inspire a future feature and help us continue learning more about the people who make our department special.
Station 3 Opens Its Doors to the Community
On June 15, Raleigh Fire Department welcomed community members, city leaders, and department personnel to the new Fire Station 3 for a dedication ceremony and open house celebrating the station's official opening in Southeast Raleigh.
Guests had the opportunity to tour the facility, meet firefighters assigned to Station 3, explore apparatus and equipment, and learn more about the department's newest fire station. The event also highlighted the station's connection to Raleigh's history and its continued commitment to serving the surrounding community.
A centerpiece of the new station is The Victor, a striking public art installation that honors the legacy of the Victor Company, Raleigh's first volunteer Black fire company. The sculpture serves as a lasting tribute to the firefighters who served the community with courage and dedication long before modern equipment and facilities existed.
The new 11,105-square-foot station officially opened on April 27 and houses Engine 3 and its crew. Designed to support the needs of a growing city, the facility provides modern living quarters, training space, and operational resources that will help firefighters continue delivering exceptional service to Southeast Raleigh for years to come.
The June 15 open house offered residents a chance to see the station firsthand, ask questions, connect with firefighters, and celebrate an important investment in public safety. Throughout the afternoon, visitors of all ages explored the facility and learned more about the history, mission, and future of Raleigh Fire Department.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event a success.
View all the photos from the Station 3 Open House on Flickr.
Raleigh Fire Sports News
Stanley Cup Returns to Carolina
Hockey fans across the Carolinas have a reason to celebrate.
On June 14, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Vegas Golden Knights to win the 2026 Stanley Cup Championship, capturing the franchise's second Stanley Cup title and bringing hockey's most coveted trophy back to Raleigh.
The Hurricanes clinched the series 4-2, with Taylor Hall scoring the series-winning goal and team captain Jordan Staal earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
The celebration continues this Saturday as fans gather in downtown Raleigh for the Stanley Cup Championship Parade to honor the team and its historic season.
Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes on an unforgettable championship run and bringing the Stanley Cup back home to Carolina!
Let's Go Canes!
From the ice rink to the softball diamond, it's been a good month for Raleigh champions. 🏆🥎🏒
RFD Takes Home the Trophy at the Battle of the Badges Softball Tournament
Under sunny skies and temperatures that reminded everyone summer had officially arrived, Raleigh Fire Department squared off against the Raleigh Police Department and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction during the Spring'26 Battle of the Badges Round Robin Softball Tournament on June 6 at Millbrook Exchange Park.
The day brought together first responders, families, friends, and supporters for a little friendly competition and a lot of camaraderie. Players from all three agencies battled through the heat while fans cheered from the sidelines, creating an atmosphere that highlighted the strong relationships shared across our public safety organizations.
When the final out was recorded, Raleigh Fire Department emerged as tournament champions, earning bragging rights until next year's event.
While the games provided plenty of excitement, the true victory was the opportunity to strengthen connections among agencies and bring people together outside of emergency responses and daily operations. Events like these remind us that teamwork extends far beyond the station, the squad car, or the office.
A special thank you goes out to the players, organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who came out to support the tournament. Your participation helped make the event a success despite the summer heat.
Congratulations to Team RFD on bringing home the trophy!
Carolina Brotherhood Ride Begins June 21
Ready to ride: June 21 - 27
This Sunday, members of the Carolina Brotherhood will begin their 2026 ride across North and South Carolina, honoring fallen emergency responders and supporting their families.
Founded in 2010, the Carolina Brotherhood is a nonprofit organization made up of firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and their families. Through their annual ride, participants visit the families and communities of responders who have been killed in the line of duty, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.
The 2026 ride runs June 21–27. We wish all participants safe travels and thank them for continuing this important mission of remembrance, support, and service.
Learn more at carolinabrotherhoodride.org.
🏃🏽♀️➡️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.
Upcoming Retirement’s to Celebrate👏
SFF Mike Phillips Retirement Luncheon
Family, friends, and coworkers gathered at Fire Station 8 to celebrate the retirement of Senior Firefighter Mike Phillips and recognize his years of service to the Raleigh Fire Department.
The luncheon featured hot dogs, fellowship, and plenty of stories. While the gathering was small, it was filled with the people who mattered most and provided a meaningful sendoff as Mike begins his next chapter.
Congratulations, Mike, and thank you for your service to Raleigh Fire and the community.
Upcoming Retirement’s
Cpt. Charley Williams: Station 4, Noon, June 29
Dr. Randy Egsegian: July 1
🔨 Skills & Trades - Get 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.
