The Graham Fire Department responded to a working residential fire.
See story on page 6
First Auto Assists
Silk Hope
Crews responded to assist Silk Hope Fire and were tasked with cutting off the fire before consuming the house.
See story on page 7
Three-Alarm Apartment Fire in Morrisville
Three-alarms were struck at an apartment fire in Morrisville in western Wake County.
See story on page 8
Troutman Working Structure Fire
Arriving units reported heavy fire from a two-story outbuilding.
See story on page 12
Raleigh Starts Two New Fire Academies
The Raleigh Fire Department has started two new recruit academies.
See story on page 33
Squires Promoted to Division Chief
Graham Captain Kevin Squires to the position of Division Chief.
See story on page 34
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No Working Smoke Detectors in Charlotte Fatal Fire
On January 23, 2026, at 0148 hours, the Charlotte Fire Department responded to a reported house fire on Raintree Lane. Crews arrived to smoke and flames visible from the rear deck of a single-story house. The fire began rapidly extending from a rear deck into the attic and roof space. Under command of Battalion 7, firefighters stretched two handlines as fire continued to advance through the attic and into the attached garage. Firefighters found a person requiring medical intervention. Mecklenburg County EMS expeditiously transported the victim, who had sustained multiple burn injuries, to Atrium CMC. During a secondary search of the structure the crew of Rescue 10 located a second victim, who was also transported to Atrium CMC Main, but later succumbed to injuries. During the fire investigation, CFD investigators also found one smoke detector which was battery-less.
- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
Abandoned House Challenged Raleigh Firefighters
On March 9, 2026, an abandoned house at the intersection of Millbrook Road and North Hills Drive challenged crews in Raleigh. Nearby Engine 16 was first-arriving and found heavy fire coming from the roof of the structure. Command ordered a quick primary search and soon withdrew all crews for defensive operations. The deck gun on Engine 16 was used and an aerial stream from Ladder 4 was attempted. But with insufficient pressure and reach, the aerial stream was soon shut down. Crews later reentered the structure to control and extinguish the fire.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
House Fire in Graham
On November 29, 2025, at approximately 0625 hours, the Graham Fire Department responded to a Graham Engine 30 and Truck 10 arrived to find a working residential fire and a second alarm was dispatched, bringing additional resources from Burlington, Mebane, E.M. Holt, and the Alamance County Fire Marshal’s Office. Elon Fire provided coverage. Additional support was provided by Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The fire was declared under control at 0737. Two young men in the neighborhood spotted the fire as they drove by the home and stopped to alert the residents.
- Submitted by Tommy Cole
Raleigh Street House Fire
On January 16, 2026, just before 2100 hours, the Holly Springs Fire Department, along with Apex, Fairview and Fuquay-Varina, were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Raleigh Street. While units were en route, Raleigh Wake 911 received numerous calls reporting a house on fire on the corner of Raleigh Street and Steeple Road. Holly Springs Engine 3 arrived to smoke showing from a 1-1/2 story residential structure and located a fire on the CharlieDelta side of the house. Two lines were stretched off Engine 3 and the fire was quickly knocked down. Crews opened up on division 1 and on the exterior, finding extension into the house and a small fire in the attic that was quickly extinguished. The cause of the fire was unknown, the occupants inside the home at the time of the fire were checked out by Wake County EMS. - Fire News photo by Jackson Pope
Charlotte Apartment Fire on Vinca Circle
On November 28, 2025, at 1607 hours, the Charlotte Fire Department dispatched crews to a reported apartment fire on Vinca Circle, in the University City area. Engine 35 arrived within four minutes and reported smoke showing from the second floor of two-story town house. Engine 35 initiated fire attack with Battalion Chief 2 assuming command. Engine 22 assisted with fire attack, while Engine 34 secured the water supply and then conducted the primary searches. Ladder 45 was assigned to ventilation. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, with minimal extension into the attic of the townhouse. Control was declared at 1618 hours and there were no reported injuries. - Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy
Family Loses Everything in Siler City Blaze
The Siler City Fire Department was dispatched to assist Staley and Silk Hope fire departments with a mobile home fire. Despite all personnel’s best efforts, the family lost everything they had. - Submitted by Scott Murphy
First Auto Assists Silk Hope
On January 10, 2026 around 2330 hours, crews responded to assist Silk Hope Fire. Personnel along with Engine 914 and Tanker 913 were tasked with cutting off the fire before consuming the whole house. With partial collapses it was not an easy task. Personnel worked to gain access along with Pittsboro Engine 1’s crew, as Silk Hope and North Chatham personnel extinguished fire on their end of the house. - Submitted by Scott Murphy
Three-Alarm Apartment Fire in Morrisville
On February 23, 2026, three-alarms were struck at an apartment fire in Morrisville in western Wake County. The fire was reported about 1815 hours at Camden Westwood Apartments on Summit Ridge Loop. Arriving units found heavy fire on all three floors of the 30-unit building. Multiple rescues were made by firefighters, who then transitioned to fire attack. In addition to handlines, Morrisville Engine 21 flowed its deck gun, and three ladders operated aerial streams: Cary Ladder 1, Cary Ladder 5, and Morrisville Ladder 22. Three hydrants supplied the operations. Over 70 residents were displaced. Six residents were injured, including five who were treated for smoke-related injuries. A sixth resident was transported to a nearby burn center. The following morning, fire investigators arrived from both Morrisville and Cary as well as Wake County, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the State Bureau of Investigation.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Just before 0100 hours on December 2, 2025, Siler City Fire, along with automatic aid, were dispatched to a reported structure fire. During dispatch, personnel were advised that it was a shed on fire. Upon responding, Chatham Central Communications updated the call to a chicken house on fire and change the address. On arrival, the chief found a 40- x 60-foot shop heavily involved with an exposure to another shop 10-feet away. He immediately requested additional tanker personnel and units from Silk Hope, Staley, Pittsboro Fire Rescue, Bonlee and Benett First Health of the Carolinas who stood by. - Submitted by Scott Murphy
Shed Fire Extends
Talk About a Heavy Sleeper
On January 16, 2026, at 0759 hours, Troutman Fire Rescue was alerted for smoke coming from the crawl space of a home on Justin Drive. Engine 2 reported light smoke showing from the Delta side of the home. Engine 1 and Ladder 1 assisted Engine 2 and it was determined there was no crawl space and the fire had originated by the exterior electrical meter. Crews entered the home to check for extension, and the homeowner was found asleep. There was no extension or injuries reported, and a control time was transmitted at 0811 hours. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Mooresville
Apartment Fire
On January 17, 2026 at around 1405 hours, Mooresville Fire Rescue was dispatched for an automatic alarm at the Avalon Mooresville Apartments on Capital Avenue in Mooresville. Arriving units found water flowing from the balcony of a second-floor unit. The alarm was upgraded to a structure fire when smoke was found on the second floor. A fire in the apartment activated the sprinkler system and knocked the fire down and crews extinguished the remaining fire. Engine 2, Chief 2, Ladder 5 and Rescue 1 assisted in salvage operations of the second and first-floor apartments that were heavily damage by the sprinkler activation. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Troutman Working Structure Fire
On January 12, 2026 at 1332 hours, Troutman and Shepherds fire rescues were alerted for a structure fire on Autumn Leaf Road in Troutman. Arriving units reported heavy fire from a two-story outbuilding, and a working fire was transmitted. Mount Mourne and Iredell County EMS were added to the alarm along with Central Fire Department’s Air Van. A second alarm was transmitted bringing additional manpower to the scene. Three hoselines were put into
operation and crews battled the heavily involved structure. The fire was placed under control at 1409 hours and crews continued to overhaul and hit hot spots hours after the control time. One firefighter sustained a minor burn and was treated by EMS at the scene; the Fire Marshals Office was investigating the cause. Chief of Troutman Fire Rescue Wesley Morris was in command of the operation. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
End of the Year Fire for Mooresville and Shepherds
On December 31, 2025, at 1540 hours, the Mooresville and Shepherds fire departments responded to a report of a structure fire at Republic Recycling on McKenzie Road off of Mazeppa Road. Arriving units reported heavy smoke coming from the large commercial structure with all workers accounted for. A second alarm was transmitted calling additional Mooresville and Shepherds units in, along with units
from South Iredell, Mount Mourne and Statesville for their Vent unit. Iredell County EMS also responded. The deep seated smokey fire was brought under control at 1628 with crews still hitting hot spots and ventilating the large building. No injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshal’s office was at the scene to investigate the cause.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Troutman
Handles Car Fire
On March 8, 2026, at 1449 hours, Troutman Fire Rescue was alerted by Iredell County Sherriff's units of a vehicle on fire close to a structure on Oswalt Amity Road. Deputies tried to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but it was too well involved. Troutman Engine 1 arrived and transmitted a working fire and stretched one hoseline and extinguished the fire. The fire was placed under control at 1505 hours and no injuries were reported.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Car Overturned in Creek, HazMat Called for Leaking Fluids
Overturned Semi with Leaking Fuel in Raleigh
On February 8, 2026, Western Wake and Raleigh fire departments responded to a vehicle over an embankment on Ebenezer Church Road. Arriving units found a single vehicle below the bridge over Crabtree Creek. Leaking fluids were discovered and additional HazMat units were dispatched from Raleigh. Crews from Haz-Mat 8 and Haz-Mat 27 used absorbent booms to contain the spill.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
On March 4, 2026, a tractor-trailer truck overturned on inbound Wade Avenue onto eastbound Interstate 440 in west Raleigh. The driver escaped the single-vehicle accident without injury, but arriving firefighters found diesel fuel leaking from a ruptured saddle tank. Firefighters from Squad 14 and Ladder 14 built an earthen dam to contain the spill. HazMat 2 was specialcalled and their crew used a hand-cranked pump to empty the rest of the fuel into containers.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Good Stop on Crossvine Court
On the morning of January 21, 2026, units from the Cary, Fairview and Apex fire departments responded to a reported residential structure fire on Crossvine Court. Upon arrival, units were met with heavy fire conditions in a two-story residence. Crews from Fairview Engine 1 and Cary Engine 6 quickly deployed two handlines and began an aggressive fire attack. One homeowner was inside the residence at the time of the fire but was able to safely exit prior to the arrival of fire department personnel. The homeowner was transported to a local hospital for smoke inhalation. Fire crews brought the incident under control in approximately 45 minutes. The cause of the fire was under the investigation of the fire marshals.
- Fire News photos by Chris Creighton
MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH
The crew of Apex Rescue 33 is pictured on February 23, 2026, as they returned to service from a three-alarm apartment fire in the neighboring town of Morrisville. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
Cool Springs Engine 2. Left to right Capt. John Fletcher, FF Dustin McDaniels, Eng. Billy Snider, FF Tiffany Bravo and FF Jacob Norman. - Submitted by Andy Webster
The crew from Cool Springs Engine 7, after some training at The Mill on September 9, 2025. - Fire News photo by Andy Webster
Lake Norman Live Burn
On January 10, 2026, the Lake Norman Fire Department hosted a live burn training at a house that was donated to them on Lake View Shores Loop on Lake Norman. The Mount Mourne, Mooresville and Cornelius fire departments also took part in the training. Firefighters did multiple training scenarios throughout the structure, searching and rescuing dummies that were placed in the home
as victims. The rain did not dampen the training and firefighters were able to experience the closest thing to a structure fire. These donated structures help firefighters sharpen their skills and better protect the communities they serve. Once the structure was deemed unsafe it was allowed to burn down under the direct supervision of firefighters. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
New Year’s Eve Training for Shepherds and Troutman
Fire departments are always training to sharpen their skills to better serve their communities, and New Year’s Eve is no different. The Shepherds and Troutman fire departments trained at Shepherds’ training facility. The scenario that was given to firefighters was a car fire in front of an apartment complex at 0200 hours. The first unit on scene reported a fully involved car fire and found that the fire had extended to the first and second floors of the complex. Additional arriving crews stretched two hoselines and began their advance into the two-story training facility (apartment complex). Crews did searches and found four victims (150 pound dummies) and removed them from the fire building. The training was a success and both departments communicated well together. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
New Statesville Recruits Train
On January 2, 2026, Statesville Fire Department new recruits listen to Captain Jason Myrick after completing training evolutions at the training facility at Cool Springs Fire Department. We call it The Mill. - Fire News photos by Andy Webster
Union Grove, Harmony Train at The Mill
On September 3, 2025, firefighters from Union Grove and Harmony trained at The Mill as part of their ventilation certification class. Class instructor was C.J. Dwiggins from the Mocksville Fire Department. - Fire News photos by Andy Webster
Training Session Hosted by Cool Springs
On January 10, 2026, Cool Springs Fire Department hosted firefighters from Cleveland Community FD, Woodleaf FD, Kannapolis FD and Troutman FD at The Mill. Instructors from Cool Springs were involved as well, and the cold January rain did not slow the firefighters down. - Fire News photos by Andy Webster
TRAINING
Shepherds Hosts Invitational Water Supply Training
On January 12, 2026, Shepherds Fire Rescue held water supply training at the Pinnacle Boat Access Area. Tankers from Mooresville, Mount Mourne, Cool Springs, Troutman, Lake Norman and South Iredell participated in the training. In some areas of Iredell County there are no fire hydrants available, and departments need the tankers to establish a water supply. This train-
ing goal was to have Troutman’s Engine not to have an interrupted supply of water flowing from their hoselines. All of the tankers filled up at a water supply set up by Shepherds Engine company, drafted from the lake and shuttled the water to drop tanks. The training was a success and all departments worked together and will continue to. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Jeff Leaptrott Retired on January 29, 2026
In May 1990, Jeff Leaptrott was hired by the Statesville Fire Department after being with the Salisbury Fire Department. Jeff was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1995 and in April 2008 he was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief. Jeff retired from the Statesville Fire Department in July 2016.
Jeff was working part time for the Troutman Fire Department since 2005 and was hired as a full time Engineer (drive, operate and deploy the apparatus) in August 2016. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2024.
He decided to retire from the fire service on January 29, 2026, where he gave over 36 years of service to the communities of Salisbury, Statesville and Troutman. Jeff is considered a veteran firefighter and public servant, whose dedication to helping the communities he served and sharing his knowledge with the younger firefighters will be truly missed. He is wished the best in his retirement years by all who have had the privilege of working with him.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Looking Back
2008
Firefighters operated at the adult entertainment establishment in southern Wake County that burned on January 6, 2008. Located on Highway 70 and east of the town of Garner, the Sunday morning incident brought fire units from six departments in Wake County and Johnston County.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
West Iredell Annual Awards Dinner
(Photo left) 20 years of service was presented to Assistant Chief Almurray Connor (L). 25 years of service Tommy Wingler (not present).
(Photo right) 2025 Chiefs Award was presented to Morgan McCoy. (L) Captain Morgan McCoy and Chief Jerry Houston.
(Photo left) 2025 Most Training Hours was presented to FF. Keith Bills. (L) Keith Bills and Assistant Chief Josh Deal.
(Photo right) 2025 Officer of the year was presented to Lieutenant Reid Kennedy. (L) Lieutenant Reid Kennedy and Chief Jerry Houston.
(Photo left) 2025 Medical responder of the year was presented to Anthony Tournay. (L) FF/EMT Anthony Hall (TJ) and Chief Jerry Houston.
(Photo right) 2025 Fire Fighter of the year was presented to Gabriel Gomez. (L) FF. Gabriel Gomez and Chief Jerry Houston.
On January 30, 2026, the West Iredell Fire Department held their 2025 annual awards dinner thanking all members and their families for a job well done. Awards were given out to several members for their hard work and dedication to the Department and community. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
(Photo left) 2025 Rookie of the year was presented to Brady McCoy. (L) FF. Brady McCoy and Chief Jerry Houston.
Siler City Conducts ‘Water on Wheels’ Exercise
On November 8, 2025, Siler City Fire Department conducted a “water on wheels” exercise. We were able to provide and maintain 1,500 gallons a minute to supply Pittsboro FireRescueTower 12. We had 40 dedicated fire personnel who gave up their Saturday morning to assist with this endeavor. We utilized seven 3,000-gallon tankers, one 2,050-gallon tanker and one- 1,800-gallon tanker for the water haul and two engines at the fill site. One-1,000 gpm engine and one-1,500 gpm engine, all operating with a 5.5-mile round trip from dump to fill site and back.
I would like to thank Dwayne and David Smith for the use of their lake, without their support none of this would have been possible !
I would also like to thank all that assisted in this drill: Chatham County departments: Siler City, Silk Hope, Bonlee, Bennett, Goldston, North Chatham VFD, Pittsboro Fire-Rescue. Randolph County Departments Coleridge, Staley and Seagrove. Thank you to the Siler City Fireman’s Association for providing our lunch. - Submitted by Scott Murphy
Inside Louisburg’s Fire Museum
Located in Franklin County, the Louisburg Fire/Police/Rescue Museum opened in November 2024. Housed in the old rescue squad building, it’s open on the third Sunday of each month. The museum is staffed by volunteers, including retired members of the Louisburg Fire Department. Its show piece is town’s first fire engine, a 1921 American LaFrance triple combination named ‘Maude.’ The beloved pumper was fully restored in recent years.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Cool Springs VFD Awards Banquet
The Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department held their annual Awards Banquet at Station 1 on Mocksville Highway. All members and their families were thanked for the sacrifices they make for being a member, like missed and interrupted meals, holidays, family events, etc.,when someone in the community is in need of help. Some members were recognized for their outstanding service. they are as follows
Most Training Hours was presented to FF Jacob Norman. (left to right) Assistant Chief Jonathan Teague, Captain Ryan Franklin, FF Jacob Norman and Captain Brandon Shives.
Training Achievements for a Paramedic Certifications were presented to Ashley Meyers and Wyatt Adkins. (left to right) Assistant Chief Jonathan Teague, Captain Brandon Shives, Ashley Meyers, Wyatt Adkins and Captain Ryan Franklin.
Training Achievements for EMT and EMR certifications were presented to Aiden Adkins, Tristian Lee, Tiffany Bravo, Sam Estero and Jacob Norman. (left to right) Assistant Chief Jonathan Teague, Aiden Atkins, Tristian Lee, Tiffany Bravo, Sam Estero, Jacob Norman, Captain Brandon Shives.
Most Calls Answered was presented to Captain John Fletcher. (left to right) Assistant Chief Todd Bowers and Captain John Fletcher
The special VON Award was presented to Anna Teague. The VON award was named after Von Turner who was a past firefighter and Board member, and it was sponsored by his wife and daughter. (left to right) Jennifer Eshleman, Anna Teague and Glenda Turner.
The 2025 Rookie of the Year award was presented to Tiffany Bravo. (left to right) Chief of the Department Andy Webster, FF Tiffany Bravo, Deputy Chief Thomas Groff.
The 2025 Medical Responder of the Year was awarded to Jen Gada. (right to left) Jen Gada and Deputy Chief Thomas Groff.
The 2025 Fire Fighter of the Year award was presented to FF Jacob Norman. (left to right) Chief Andy webster, Jacob Norman, Assistant Chief Todd Bowers and retired Chief David Cline.
The 2025 Officer of the Year was awarded to Captains John Fletcher and Ryan Franklin. (left to right) Chief Webster, Captains Ryan Franklin, John Fletcher and retired Chief Maurice Jenkins.
The 2025 Outstanding Service Award was presented to Deputy Chief Thomas Groff and FF Chrystal Cooley. (left to right) Chief Andy Webster, FF Chrystal Cooley and Deputy Chief Thomas Groff.
A special presentation of an etched Bible was made to Assistant Chief and Department Chaplain Jonathan Teague of an etched Bible. (left to right) Captain Brandon Shives, Assistant Chief & Chaplain Jonathan Teagues and Deputy Chief Thomas Groff.
Years of Service awards: five years of service to Jeseli Corza-Reyes, Roger Myers, Jacob Norman, Brandon Shives and James Schowalter; 15 years Drake Dufault; 30 years Fred Jetter ( left to right) Chief Webster, Drake Dufault, Jacob Norman, Fred Jetter and Deputy Chief Groff.
Raleigh Starts Two New Fire Academies
The Raleigh Fire Department has started two new recruit academies. Academy 56, pictured, reported for duty on February 9, 2026. This is a “short academy” with the 25 recruits already certified as emergency medical technicians. They graduate on May 22. Not pictured is the “long academy” that started on March 16, 2026. The 41 members of Academy 57 will each receive instruction and certification as EMTs. They will graduate on September 2, 2026.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Grahams Capt. Kevin Squires Promoted to Division Chief
On January 1, 2026, Graham Fire Chief Tommy Cole announced the promotion of Captain Kevin Squires to the position of Division Chief. Division Chief Squires will oversee all volunteer officers and personnel while also serving as a member of the Fire Chief’s Senior Command Staff and functioning as Operational Incident Command staff. Some of his responsibilities, in conjunction with our career Captains, will include the volunteer applicant process and onboarding, management of volunteer training hours and certifications, oversight of annual volunteer physicals and JPAT testing, participation in budget preparation to support volunteer operations, and overall fire department management, just to name a few.
Kevin began his service with the Graham Fire Department in 1997 as a volunteer firefighter. In 2005, Firefighter Squires was promoted to Captain, a role in which he has faithfully served for the past 20 years. In addition to his service with GFD, Division Chief Squires works full-time for the Morrisville Fire Department in Wake County.
The position of Division Chief is a new rank within the Graham Fire Department. It is my hope to eventually establish a Division Chief position within our career staff to oversee career and part-time personnel as well. I will pursue this position to better support administrative and operational needs as our department grows in stations, staffing, community engagement, and incident response.
I am excited about the opportunity to work more closely with Division Chief Squires to better support our volunteer members and further the overall mission of the Graham Fire Department. Kevin’s passion for the fire service and dedication to serving others will be the foundation of his success in this role.
- Submitted by Tommy Cole
Stony Point VFD Awards Ceremony
On February 7, 2026, the Stony Point VFD held their annual Awards Dinner ceremony for 2025 after postponing it for two weeks in a row due to the weather. All of the members of the department and auxiliary were thanked for their continued support and service to the department and community. Some members were recognized for their exceptional service by the Chiefs, Officers and their peers. They were: 2025 First Responder of the Year was presented to FF/ EMR Autumn Norman. (left) FF/ EMR Autumn Norman and Chief Scotty Abernathy; 2025 Fire Fighter of the Year was presented to FF Bud Tatum and FF Steven Prevette. (left) Assistant Chief Chad Cockrell, Bud Tatum, FF Steven Prevette and Chief Scotty Abernathy; 2025 Junior Fire Fighter of the Year was presented to Carson Moore and Noah Johnson. (left) Assistant Chief Chad Cockrell, Carson Moore, Noah Johnson and Chief Scotty Abernathy; 2025 Officer of the Year was presented to Lieutenant Colby Cockrell. (left) LT Colby Cockrell and Chief Scotty Abernathy; 2025 Auxiliary Member of the Year was presented to Gloria Prevette. (left) Gloria Prevette and Auxiliary President Donna Abernathy;2025 Chiefs Award was presented to The Dairy Bar (owner Bill Dejarnette) for their continued support of the Department and community. (L) Bill Dejarnette and Chief Scotty Abernathy; and 2025 Chiefs Award was presented to Assistant Chief Jacob Abernathy. (L) Assistant Chief Jacob Abernathy and Chief Scotty Abernathy. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
NAFECO APPOINTS BRANDON OAKS AS CEO AND PRESIDENT
Longtime COO Steps Into Top Leadership Role, Carrying Forward the Legacy of Founder Jerrell Oaks
Decatur Alabama, March 4, 2026 – NAFECO, a premier supplier of Fire, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Industrial Safety equipment and uniforms, has appointed Bradon Oaks as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective immediately. The company serves first responders and public safety organizations throughout the Southeastern United States and is widely recognized for its commitment to quality products and customer service.
Brandon Oaks transitions from his role as Chief Operating Officer, succeeding his father, Jerrell Oaks – NAFECO’s founder and longtime CEO – who recently passed away. His appointment reflects the Oaks family’s enduring commitment to the company and the leadership continuity Jerrell worked to build over the course of
his career.
Brandon brings deep operational expertise to the role, having overseen daily business operations, key vendor and customer relationships, supply chain strategy, and long-term planning initiative as COO. His hands-on experience across all of NAFECO’s core markets positions him to lead with both operational precision and strategic clarity, while preserving the integrity, teamwork, and customerfirst values that define the company.
“Brandon has been instrumental in the operational strength of this company for years. His passion for NAFECO, his deep respect for our father’s vision, and his commitment to every member of this team make him the right leader to carry this company into its next chapter. We are proud to move forward together.”Brian Oaks, Vice President of Administration.
SECURING A STRONG RETIREMENT WITH TAX-ADVANTAGED SAVINGS
Your pension plan can provide a solid foundation for your retirement, but it may not be enough. Now is the time to add more ways to help accelerate your retirement savings with guaranteed growth.
Meet the IRA Choice Certificate,1 a retirement savings option that protects your money and gives you steady, predictable growth with fixed rates.
You may be familiar with certificates of deposit or CDs, which we call Choice Certificates. IRA Choice Certificates are used to save for retirement, and they can help you lock in growth to help support your future.
IRA Choice Certificates combine tax advantages with guaranteed growth for your retirement savings. They are higher yield savings options for retirement with a variety of terms and rates up to 4.10% APY.1 No stock market worries, just steady growth.
How do IRA Choice Certificates help protect and grow your retirement savings?
• Lock in rates up to 4.10% APY1 for guaranteed growth
• Choose terms from 6 to 60 months
• Keep earning with reinvested dividends and compounded growth
• Grows independent of financial markets, so you retain your principal
As North Carolina firefighters and first responders, you bring protection and stability to people and their lives. With Civic IRA Choice Certificates, you get stable and guaranteed growth for retirement, plus tax advantages. Your retired self will thank you.
1 APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Minimum deposit is $250. Civic IRA Savings and Civic Select Savings accounts required. Fixed-rate account; dividends compounded monthly and paid monthly into IRA Choice Certificate account. Earnings are guaranteed when principal is not withdrawn before certificate maturity date. Penalty imposed for early withdrawal, excluding Required Minimum Distributions. Individual Retirement Accounts offered by Civic are insured up to applicable limits by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. IRA contributions, distributions, and tax treatment are governed by Internal Revenue Service rules, which may change. Civic IRA Choice Certificates are not investment accounts and Civic does not provide investment advice. Consult a qualified tax, legal, or financial advisor regarding your specific situation before opening or funding an IRA.
SOURCEWELL AWARDS SVI TRUCKS WITH SOURCEWELL CONTRACT FOR FIRE APPARATUS & FIRE SERVICE VEHICLES
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – March 9, 2026 – SVI Trucks is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract to provide firefighting apparatus and fire service vehicles to public agencies across North America. Through the Sourcewell 082025-SVM cooperative purchasing agreement, entities like fire departments and law enforcement agencies, can purchase SVI rescue vehicles, wildland apparatus, command vehicles and other emergency vehicles through a streamlined procurement process with preferred pricing.
Sourcewell, a self-funded governmental organization established in 1978, facilitates a cooperative purchasing program that harnesses the collective purchasing power of more than 50,000 participating agencies. SVI Trucks secured the Sourcewell contract following a rigorous request for proposal (RFP) process, ensuring compliance with local procurement requirements, while proving the company delivers exceptional value and service.
By streamlining procurement with pre-negotiated Sourcewell contracts, this partnership grants any public agency access to pur-
chase from SVI Trucks through this public purchasing process. SVI Trucks supplier listing can be found under “Super Vacuum Manufacturing.”
“The SVI Trucks team worked extremely hard to earn this contract on behalf of our customers,” SVI Trucks Vice President of Sales Joel Konecky said. “We recognize that consortium purchasing is essential to helping departments securing the life-saving apparatus they need to serve their communities, and we are excited to streamline the purchasing process through this new Sourcewell partnership.”
About SVI Trucks
SVI Trucks, a Super Vacuum Manufacturing Company located in Fort Collins, Colo., builds custom fire apparatus, including rescue trucks, hazmat units, command vehicles, fire engines, tanker trucks, law enforcement vehicles and more. To see SVI’s full fleet, visit svitrucks.com. To browse drawings, features and specifications of a truck, visit SVI’s Apparatus pages and click on any truck image.
High-angle Rescue Demonstration
Charlotte Fire Department demonstrating a high-angle rescue operation at an open house at Charlotte Fire Station 39. - Fire News photos by Fully Involved Media Group
Charlotte Unveils All Electric Station & Engine
Charlotte’s new all electric fire engine and station were recently placed into service. The new station and truck represent a significant achievement for the city as they embrace technology and move towards more sustainable operations. The new Station 30 went into service on December 18, 2025, with the official “Uncoupling Ceremony” held on January 6, 2026. The new station replaces the original Station 30 that went into service in 1992 near the Charlotte-Douglas Airport. That station was a converted old residence with a single bay, but with the growth of the airport and surrounding area, that facility no longer met the operational needs of the department. As part of the department’s Fire Facilities Master Plan, they worked with the City’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience to design and build a replacement station that both met the needs of the department and supported the city’s Strategic Energy Action Plan goal of zero-carbon city buildings. The result of this process was the new Station 30.
The new station is a 3 bay station, located on Beam Road, near the City’s Police and Fire Training Academy and is similar in design to several other stations the department is currently constructing. However, the station is unique, it is the first station operated entirely on electrical power. The station incorporates solar panels on the roof, a geothermal HVAC system and in slab radiant heating to eliminate the need for oil and gas dependent systems as part of the plan to build more sustainable, efficient and cost effective buildings. The building is expected to earn a Gold Level Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. The building also includes Level 3 (fast charging) Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers inside the apparatus bays and in the outside parking areas. The department had already begun adding EVs to their support fleet of vehicles and with this design, the station was the logical choice for locating the department’s first fully electric fire engine.
In 2022, the department began the process of researching and purchasing an all-electric fire engine and ultimately selected the REV Group’s Vector. That truck, which is built on an E-One Typhoon chassis, was delivered in late 2025, which allowed crews to begin training and evaluating the new truck. Engine 30 was built to similar specifications as the department’s other engines with a 1,500 GPM pump, a 500 gallon water tank and 30 gallon tank for the foam system. The physical design of the truck is also similar in look and function to other traditional diesel-powered apparatus the department has in service and on order. The intent was to design and build an all-electric fire engine that looks and operates like the department’s other apparatus. The new truck uses an electric motor to replace the traditional diesel engine and with its a high-capacity 327 kWh battery, can operate and/or pump solely on battery power for extended periods of time. The new truck does also have an optional ‘range extender’ which is a small diesel Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) which can charge the truck’s batteries if they get low.
