In Wilmington an impaired driver struck and damaged a gas meter at a commercial building.
See story on page 4
1 Burned in Siler City Apartment Fire
Siler City Fire and automatic aid were dispatched to a possible structure fire with entrapment.
See story on page 8
Pickup Fire at Troutman
Dollar General
Troutman Fire Rescue responded to a car fire in the parking lot of Dollar General.
See story on page 10
We Have a Winner!
James Jackson from Smiths Fire Department wins the Challenge Coin Flag at SAFRE.
See story on page 21
Two August Charlotte House Fires
Charlotte Fire Department was dispatched to Grays Ridge Drive and Stonehill Court for house fires.
See story on page 22
Kannapolis Handles
Multi-Vehicle MVA
Kannapolis FD handled a multi-vehicle wreck with five people injured.
See story on page 24
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5 Wilmington FFs Injured in Building Explosion
In Wilmington on August 19, 2025, an impaired driver struck and damaged a gas meter and high-pressure line at a commercial building that was being renovated as a veterinary hospital. The vehicle left the scene. The hospital was planning to open next month. Arriving fire units found an active gas leak. Five firefighters entered the building to conduct primary searches. They were monitoring the gas levels as they searched, and they detected a dangerous concentration just seconds before the explosion. All five firefighters were injured in the explosion, flash fire, and subsequent emergency evacuation. One firefighter suffered second- and third-degree burns to his hands and was transferred to the burn center in Chapel Hill. The incident escalated to a second-alarm response. Aerial streams and a ground monitor were used for defensive operations. Hazards in the building included an oxygen generator and three oxygen tanks on the second floor. The fire was controlled several hours later and command was terminated seven hours after the incident started. Thes photo was taken three days after the incident. - Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Hot Day for a Scrap Pile Fire
On July 30, 2025, at 1355 hours, Siler City was dispatched for an outside fire. Upon responding, Chief Murphy requested tankers from Bonlee, Bennett, Silk Hope, Staley, Coleridge, Liberty and Snow Camp, and an engine from Pittsboro for manpower. Personnel were able to contain the fire to the scrap pile. Firefighters used a hydrant on the facility for primary water supply and set up three portable tanks for a tanker shuttle to supply Siler City’s ladder; with both water supplies they were able to maintain 2500 gpm.
Thank you to all for a well-run scene. Also, thanks to a Chatham Rescue member for assisting First Health Medic 5 with monitoring our FFs in the hot conditions. A big shout out to former member Dan Webster for bringing water and cold wet towels for the guys to cool off with. Also, Chatham County Emergency Management for assistance with monitoring weather and water runoff.
- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief
Cover Story
Fully Involved in Troutman … and More
On September 15, 2025, at 0820 hours Troutman Fire Rescue was alerted along with the Catawba, West Iredell and Monticello fire departments for conflicting reports of a person on fire, a structure fire and people trapped in the structure on fire. As units responded, smoke could be seen from miles away. Arriving units transmitted a working fire with a structure, camper and several outbuildings fully involved and multiple explosions from propane tanks. Iredell County EMS and South Iredell FDs Air van were added to the alarm along with a call for all off-duty Troutman Firefighters to respond to the alarm. Crews stretched three hoselines and attacked the massive blaze, dealing with multiple explosions from different sources. All occupants were accounted for and two were treated and transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation. The Iredell County Office of Emergency Management was notified for a request for an excavator to the scene to help firefighters sift through the rubble and extinguish the deep-seated fire. Four hours later firefighters were still operating at the scene. The Fire Marshals Office was investigating the cause of the fire, and the Red Cross was called to assist the three occupants.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
On July 5, 2025, Siler City Fire and automatic aid were dispatched to a possible structure fire with entrapment. Upon arrival, personnel found heavy fire from a first-floor apartment and fire impingement to the second-floor apartment directly above and starting to run the roof. One victim self-extricated and was lying in the front yard of the complex. First Health arrived and rendered care as fire personnel mounted a simultaneous fire attack and rescue of one unaccounted for resident on the second floor. The second victim was quickly located and removed from the building. All personnel worked hard and contained the majority of the fire damage to the two apartments and roof. Thank you to our partners from Staley, Bennett, Bonlee, Silk Hope Fire Departments and First Health of the Carolinas. Our thoughts and prayers for the burn victim and residents that were displaced.
- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief
Car Fire on Mt. Ulla Highway
On August 14, 2025 at 0818 hours Mooresville Ladder 6 and Shepherds Tanker 1 were dispatched for a report of a car fire on Mount Ulla Highway. Ladder 6 was first due and transmitted a working fire, stretched one line and extinguished the fire. Shepherd’s Tanker 1 was used as a water supply. No injuries were reported.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
1 Burned in Siler City Apartment Fire
Structure Fire on Long Island Rd.
On July 19, 2025, at 1350 hours the West Iredell, Catawba, Troutman, Monticello and Stony Point fire departments were alerted for a structure fire on Long Island Road. Arriving units found heavy smoke coming from the crawl space of a single-story residence and transmitted a working fire. Iredell County EMS, Rescue Squad and South Iredell Fire Department’s air van were added to the alarm. Crews were met with heavy fire in the crawl space with extension into the home. Firefighters not only battled the smoke and flames, but the 90-degree temperatures. The fire was contained to the crawl space and one room in the home with heavy smoke damage. One firefighter was injured and the Red Cross was called to assist the family of four who were displaced by the fire. The cause was under investigation.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Troutman Fire Rescue responded to a car fire in the parking lot of Dollar General on August 24, 2025 at 1243 hours. Troutman Engine 4 was first on scene and extinguished the fire that was contained to the interior of a pick-up truck. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Pickup Fire at Troutman Dollar General
South Atlantic Fire Rescue
- Fire News photos by Tesh Parekh
Detached Garage Fire
On July 31 2025 at 2149 hours, the Shepherds Fire Department along with Troutman and Cool Springs were dispatched to a report of a detached garage fire on Brawley Road with explosions heard. Shepherd units arrived and transmitted a working fire, adding South Iredell VFD’s air van and Iredell County EMS to the alarm. Crews stretched one hoseline and began extinguishing the fire. Crews secured a propane line that was feeding the fire, and the fire was placed under control at 2225 hours. No injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshals office was investigating the cause.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
House Fire in East Charlotte
On August 8, 2025, at 1257 hours, the Charlotte Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire in East Charlotte after receiving several calls reporting a fire and several possible explosions from the back of a house in the 2600 block of Dunlavin Way. Engine 15 arrived within two minutes and reported smoke showing from the garage and called the working fire. Engine 15 began fire attack, assisted by Engine 42. Ladder 45 conducted a primary search and vertical ventilation. Mecklenburg County’s EMS Agency, MEDIC, also responded with two ambulances to treat two occupants of the house who were suffering from smoke inhalation. Crews were able to control the fire within 15 minutes. Investigators determined the fire was accidental and started on an enclosed back porch. Units on the initial assignment included Engines 15, 42, 65 and 7, Ladder 45, Battalion Chief 4, Rescue 11 and Safety 1, with Battalion 9 and Investigators added on the working-fire upgrade.
- Fire News photo by William G Kennedy, WGK Public Safety Images
Tractor-Trailer Overturn
On July 29, 2025, at 2201 hours, Troutman Fire Rescue was dispatched for a reported tractor-trailer overturn with entrapment on Charlotte Highway by the Sheetz gas station. Crews arrived and assisted the driver who was not injured off the cab of his truck. Crews handled a small fuel leak and stood by until the truck could be uprighted. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Sharon School Road Fire Stopped
At 0331 hours on September 10, 2025, the West Iredell Fire Department, along with the Troutman and Monticello departments, were dispatched to a report of a structure fire on Sharon School Road. West Iredell units arrived to a single-story structure with fire showing from the attic vents on both sides. A working fire was transmitted and Stony Point, along with Iredell County EMS and Rescue Squad, were added to the alarm. An aggressive interior attack by firefighters, pulling the ceilings and getting water on the fire in the attic, contained the fire to the attic, saving the rest of the home. The fire appeared to have started on the exterior of the structure; the Fire Marshals Office was investigating the cause. No injuries were reported; the Red Cross was notified to assist the displaced family. Chief of the West Iredell Fire Department Jerry Houston was in command of the operation in which 20 personnel from all the agencies operated at the scene. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
NEW APPARATUS
Harmony Gets Refurbished Ladder Truck
The Harmony Volunteer Fire Department just received their refurbished Pierce Ladder truck back after a two-year project saving the taxpayers several million dollars. Members from the Lone Hickory Fire Department assisted Harmony firefighters in supplying water from a water point in their district so Harmony crews could continue their training and requalification of the apparatus before it is officially placed into service. The ladder truck has been redone inside and out providing Harmony firefighters with an additional resource to better serve and protect the community they serve. The Harmony Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for new members to join and help them serve the community, you can get more information a http://www.Harmonyvfd.com on how to join.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
North Carolina’s First Electric Pumper
The Cary Fire Department in Wake County has placed the first Pierce Volterra electric pumper in service on the East Coast. New Engine 9 was placed in service in June and pumped at its first fire on June 20, 2025. Noted a news release, “Engine 9 pumped several hose lines over the course of three hours. Arriving with an 87-percent battery charge, it left the scene at 42 percent. And by the time the crew had finished decontamination back at the station, the battery had recharged to nearly 90 percent. The unit is equipped with a 1000-gpm pump and 500-gallon water tank. The innovative apparatus includes a fully electric drive system with diesel backup for extended calls, quiet operation for less disruption during responses, and zero tailpipe emissions in battery-only mode.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
From Brunswick County, Leland Fire-Rescue’s new Truck 51 recently posed for a photo in front of the battleship USS North Carolina in Wilmington. The 2024 KME TDA is equipped with a 101-foot ladder. It was delivered last year and replaced both an older aerial ladder (5061) and older rescue truck (5095). Each were over 20-years old.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
Gastonia Fire Places Two New Engines in Service
This past summer, the Gastonia Fire Department held dedication ceremonies to place two new engines into service. The engines are twin 2025 Spartan/Smeal engines with 2000-gpm pumps and a 750-gallon water tank. Both ceremonies were led by Fire Chief Phil Welch and included remarks from local clergy and officials, along with the transfer of water and company grill numbers from the old engines to the new engines, as well as the time-honored tradition of pushing the new engine into the apparatus bay. The first ceremony was for Engine 2 at Station 2 on July 15, 2025. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate as thunderstorms rolled in forcing the ceremony into the station bays. This also required a slightly “modified” push-in a little farther ceremony as crews and local community members simply pushed the engine farther back in the bay. On August 19, 2025, the department held a second ceremony for the new Engine 6 at Station 6. Fortunately, the weather cooperated allowing the event to go off as planned. - Fire News photo by William G Kennedy
View From the Runway
Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro operates a 2023 Ford F-550/Oshkosh Stinger Q4 rapid intervention vehicle (RIV), 250/300/40/500. Designated Smokey 1, it was delivered in May 2024 and placed in service in June 2024. It’s the primary EMS response unit at the airport, and also the primary unit for all structural responses, e.g. “outside the fence.”
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros What’s Missing from This Picture
at Raleigh Fire Station 6, the old horse-drawn
engine is missing its wooden wheels. They are being repaired in Pennsylvania. The 1905 American LaFrance Metropolitan is the oldest antique in the Raleigh Fire Department fleet. It’s one of 16 surviving steam engines in North Carolina. There were over three dozen that served in the state.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
Seen
steam
Good Samaritan Gets Driver Out of Burning Car
On July 18, 2025 at 0624 hours, on Perth Road in Troutman the driver of a mid-size SUV was pulled from his burning vehicle through the sunroof by a Good Samaritan who was on his way to work. The SUV driver lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway and struck a tree causing the vehicle to erupt in fire. Troutman Fire Rescue extinguished the fire and Iredell County EMS transported the seriously injured driver to the hospital. Law enforcement officers are investigating the incident.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Pickup Down Embankment Close to RR Tracks
On September 3, 2025, at 0940 hours, Troutman Fire Rescue responded to a pickup truck down an embankment at the intersection of Eufola and Carriage roads. Units on scene reported a vehicle down the embankment and the driver out of the vehicle. Due to the proximity to the railroad tracks a stop order was given by the rail company while crews operated at the scene.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Drewry Live Burn Training
Drewry Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) and Hawtree VFD sponsored live-burn training on a house off of the Drewry-Virgina Line on August 23, 2025. About 50 people attended from Drewry VFD, Hawtree VFD and surrounding departments along with Warren County EMS. - Photos courtesy of Drewry VFD
We Have a Winner!
Congratulations to James Jackson from Smiths Fire Department for winning the Challenge Coin Flag at SAFRE (South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo) ! Thank you to everyone who participated — see you at the next show! - Fire News photo by Suzanna Bancroft
2 Transported After Vehicle into Building
On September 1, 2025, at 1340 hours, Mooresville Fire Rescue, Mooresville Police and Iredell County EMS responded to a report of an MVA at the Cook Out restaurant on West Plaza Drive. Responding units were notified of a person pinned between the vehicle and a wall and Mooresville Rescue 1 was added to the alarm. A pickup had lost control and struck people outside of the restaurant. Two people were transported to the hospital and Mooresville Police were investigating the incident. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Charlotte House Fire on Grays Ridge Drive
On August 18, 2025 at 1638 hours, the Charlotte Fire Department was dispatched to a possible house fire on Grays Ridge Drive in Engine 22’s first due. The caller to 911 reported a neighboring house was on fire, that the residents were not home but they believed there was a dog inside. Engine 22 arrived and reported light smoke showing and confirmed a working fire on the first floor, near the Bravo/Charlie corner. Engines 22 and 28 conducted fire attack with Ladder 28 conducting the search. Crews were able to locate and rescue two dogs inside the house. Both dogs were treated by CFD and MEDIC personnel on the scene and animal control was contacted to care for the dogs. Crews were able to control the fire in 18 minutes, and the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force was working to determine the cause of the fire. Units on the initial assignment included Engines 22, 28, 27 and 36, Ladder 28, Battalion Chief 9, Rescue 11 and Safety 1, with Battalion 2, Car 10 and Investigators added on the working fire upgrade.
- Fire News photo by William G Kennedy
Charlotte House Fire on Stonehill Court
On August 20, 2025 at 1605 hours, the Charlotte Fire Departments Engine 27 and Ladder 45 were dispatched to an unknown type of fire on Stonehill Court after a 911 caller requested the fire department and then disconnected. That call was upgraded to a dwelling fire when 911 dispatchers were able to reconnect with the original caller who reported that a chair was on fire inside the house and the fire was spreading. Engine 27 arrived on scene and reported smoke and fire coming from several windows on the second floor of the residence and initiated the fire attack, assisted by Engine 22. Engine 15 conducted the primary search, with Ladder 45 assigned to vertical ventilation and Engine 7 as RIC, as Battalion 2 assumed command. Crews were able to control the fire in 24 minutes. One firefighter was treated on scene by Mecklenburg County EMS Agency (MEDIC) for a minor injury. The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force determined the fire originated in a second-floor bedroom. The displaced occupants were assisted by the Red Cross. Units on the initial assignment included Engines27, 7, 22 and 15, Ladder 45, Battalion Chief 2, Rescue 10 and Safety 1, with Battalion 9, Car 10 and Investigators added on the working fire upgrade.
- Fire News photo by William G Kennedy
Kannapolis Station 3 Handles Multi-Vehicle MVA
On August 4, 2025 at 1322 house, Kannapolis Fire Department
Chief 2 reported coming up on a multi-vehicle wreck that had just occurred on Dale Earnhardt Boulevard at Cold Water Ridge Drive. Chief 2 reported a total of five people with injuries, with one of those victims being unresponsive and entrapped. Kannapolis Engine 34 and Ladder 31 were dispatched with Ladder 34 taking
extrication and Engine 31’s crew assisting with patient care. Cabarrus County EMS responded with three ambulances. Emergency personnel on the scene determined that the unresponsive patient was likely the result of a medical condition and not trauma from the wreck. Kannapolis Police department is investigating the crash.
- Fire News photo by William G Kennedy
Trail Rescue in Wake County
On August 17, 2025, firefighters from Raleigh and Western Wake performed a trail rescue at Umstead State Park. Both on foot and riding two all-terrain vehicles (ATV), they responded to an injured person on Loblolly Trail, about a mile from the park’s south entrance. Along with Wake County EMS personnel, they treated and packaged the patient on the trail. The injured person was brought back to a waiting ambulance by ATV.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
21-Car MVA at Perth and Judas
On July 27, 2025 at 1747 hours, Shepherds Fire Rescue was dispatched to an MVA at the intersection of Perth and Judas roads. Crews arrived to a two-vehicle accident with minor injuries. Firefighters secured the vehicles and cleaned debris out of the roadway. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Caring for the Flag
During operations at structure fire on Pecos Lane in Troutman on September 15, 2025, C-Shift Engineer Mike Martinez (Engine 1) observed an American flag at risk of being further damaged by nearby fire conditions. Demonstrating quick action and respect, he safely recovered the flag and secured it in a protected location. Engineer Martinez’s actions exemplify the pride, dedication, and professionalism our personnel bring to the job each and every day. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Controlled Burn Gets Out of Control
On September 3, 2025, at 1109 hours the Shepherds, Mooresville, Mount Mourne, Troutman, Lake Norman, Denver Fire Boat and Sherrills Ford fire departments were dispatched to a report of a structure fire in the area of Whippoorwill Road. Responding units were advised that a controlled burn in a fire pit was out of control and spreading to the structure. Shepherds Engine 2 was first on scene and transmitted a working structure fire along the wood line in the rear of the homes there. Crews extinguished the fire that destroyed the outbuilding and also damaged adjoining property. No injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshals Office was investigating the cause. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
TRAINING
Live Fire Training on Donated House
On September 1, 2025 hours, the West Iredell VFD hosted a live burn training in a structure donated by the owner. The Troutman and Monticello fire departments also participated in this drill several hours after these departments battled a structure fire on Pecos Lane, showing their dedication to their communities. Stony Point VFD also participated in the drill. Crews from all of the mentioned departments were able to get multiple training scenarios done before the structure was deemed unsafe and allowed to completely burn down under their supervision. The drill was a success for both new and veteran firefighters. The training drill was under the command of Chief of the West Iredell VFD Jerry Houston.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Driver Training at Wilmington Airport
On the morning of August 23, 2025, the Wilmington Fire Department and New Hanover County Fire-Rescue conducted joint driver-operator training on an unused portion of Wilmington International Airport. Participating units included both heavy apparatus and smaller support vehicles. They practiced on older portions of the airfield that were used during World War II.
- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
SUPER VAC AND COMMAND LIGHT APPOINT NEW REGIONAL SALES MANAGER TO NORTHEAST TERRITORY
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Super Vac and Command Light proudly announce the appointment of a new regional sales manager with the addition of Tom Houlihan in the Northeast region. Houlihan now represents Super Vac’s expansive lineup of ventilation equipment and Command Light’s array of scene lighting products in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC and West Virginia.
Houlihan joins Super Vac and Command Light with more than 30 years of experience in the fire service, accompanied by 20-plus years in the fire and industrial markets. Houlihan joined the fire service in 1993, rising to the rank of Lieutenant and remains a current member in Colonie, NY.
Houlihan has a special ability to cultivate relationships with distribution partners and fire departments across the region. He brings his passion for sales, marketing, education and the fire service to Super Vac and Command Light after working at Task Force Tips, Garrison Fire & Rescue and Milton CAT.
“We’re excited to see what Tom can do with his love of sales and marketing, and his passion for the fire service, to Super Vac and Command Light,” Super Vac and Command Light President Roger Weinmeister said.
Houlihan will be present at key industry events beginning with
the New Jersey State Fireman’s Convention on Sept. 12, 2025. To view Super Vac’s full territory breakdown, visit supervac.com/sales-support. To view Command Lights’ full territory lineup, visit commandlight.com/sales-support.
About Super Vac
Super Vac is the world’s leading manufacturer in the emergency ventilation products. A one-stop shop for all things ventilation, Super Vac equips crews with a versatile array of only the toughest solutions, including the industry’s largest lineup of PPV fans, spanning from 8- to 80-inch blades, as well as smoke ejectors, available in 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-inch blades. Super Vac also manufactures rescue saws, rehab misters and other necessities.
About Command Light
Command Light, located in Fort Collins, Colo., has specialized in scene lighting for the emergency industry for more than 25 years and features only the best light towers, compact scene lighting, traffic flow boards and other safety lighting products. Command Light’s towers are available in a variety of configurations, including AC or DC, different tower bases, varying output choices and a long list of options, like backlighting to illuminate both sides of the scene
TRAINING
The crew from the Charlotte Fire Department’s Engine 27 (C Shift) at their station in between runs. - Fire News photo by William G Kennedy, WGK Public Safety Images
West Iredell crews after a recent live burn training. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Truck Takes Out Wires
On July 22, 2025, Mooresville and Shepherds Fire Rescue units responded to a report of wires on a truck and poles down on Cornelius Road and Silver Lining Road. Arriving units found a truck had caught the powerlines and snapped a utility pole causing primary lines to burn in the trees; the truck had no wires on it. The
crew from Mooresville Engine 4 secured the area keeping curious neighbors away from the energized burning wires and awaited the utility company. A transformer blew and power was lost to the neighborhood. Crews were up when the utility company arrived.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Raleigh Recruits Crossed the Finish Line to Graduation
Raleigh Fire Department Recruit Academy 55 graduated on August 22, 2025. The six-month program added 34 new firefighters to the city’s ranks. They’re shown a few weeks earlier, as they were closing on the finish line of their fire academy.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Up Close & Personal
Nolan White Finishes Probation Period
Nolan White came onboard with us in May 2024. He successfully completed his one-year probation period and successfully completed his written testing, driving testing and on scene scenarios and fire scene set ups. We were honored to complete his probationary period with a pinning ceremony by his mother and father. Nolan is a quiet, reserved youngman willing to help no matter what is going on. We are very grateful to have him! Congratulations Nolan!
- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief
Honoring Jerry Ward
On August 4, 2025 we had the extreme pleasure of honoring one of our own. Mr. Jerry Ward who began his career in October 1964. He retired in January 2025 with 60 years of service! Surrounded by his family, active and past members, we celebrated his accomplishments, told some stories and presented him with a few tokens of our appreciation. Thank you to Insurance Commissioner Causey for presenting him with the Guardian Award, the highest honor to be given by the State of North Carolina. Siler City Mayor Matthews presented Jerry with a proclamation from the Town of Siler City for his years of service and he was presented with a plaque and helmet front from the members. Light refreshments followed and everyone had a great time catching up with one another. Again, thank you Jerry for ALL you have done for Siler City and Chatham County.
Ebenezer Fire & Rescue Honors a Fellow Firefighter with
a Special Visit
Ebenezer Fire and Rescue’s July meeting was a bit different this time. The members came together without Lt. Tim Reed, known affectionately by his fellow firefighters as “Mr. Tim.” Recently, Mr. Tim has faced serious health challenges that have kept him from attending station events, so the team decided to bring the firehouse to him.
On that special evening, firefighters drove three engines, one tanker, two squad trucks, and a brush truck to Mr. Tim’s home. He greeted them from his wheelchair in the driveway, surrounded by 20 members of his family. On his face was a smile his fellow firefighters recognized — the same warm smile that had lit up the station for decades.
Mr. Tim joined Ebenezer Fire and Rescue in 1986 and has been a valued part of the department ever since. As each crew member parked their truck and stepped forward, they greeted him with hugs, smiles, and tearful stories of times gone by.
His son, Scott Reid, asked how his day had been. Mr. Tim told him that he had spent all day getting ready for the visit from his friends. As the firefighters prepared to leave, they gave him a parting gift: a heartfelt salute with lights flashing and sirens blaring as they drove out of the neighborhood — leaving behind memories, love, and the camaraderie that only brotherhood in service can bring.
- Submitted by Bill Sherrill
- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief
Siler City 3 Staff Promoted to Career Captains
In the fall of 2004, we hired our first daytime career driver. In February 2015, our first Career Fire Chief was appointed. On January 2020, we moved into a new era with the first 24-hour Career personnel staffing of the station. I am proud to say that in July 2025 with support from the Town Board of Commissioners we were able promote three staff to the position of Career Captain. We held a pinning ceremony for these three gentlemen this past Saturday. Congratulations to Justin Bray (A shift), Aaron Dorsett (B shift) and Andy Micheal (C shift). These threegentleman endured rigorous written testing, interviews, and emergency scenarios. Congratulations.
