The Holly Springs Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Sunset Walk Lane.
See story on page 14
Overturn with Entrapment
Responders were dispatched to an overturned auto with entrapment.
See story on page 16
Dog Rescued from Pickup in Lake Firefighters were notified of a pickup truck on its roof with a dog still inside.
See story on page 22
Live Burn for Cool Springs FFs
The Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department held live burn training at a donated structure.
See story on page 28
Open House for New Matthews Fire Station
Mathews Fire and EMS held an open house to celebrate the opening of their new Station 3.
See story on page 34
Obituaries
Hickory’s Jake Wayne Bridges
Riceville’s Violet Caramella, LODD Orange County’s Rob Tuck
See story on pages 36 -38
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2-Alarm Fire at Harrisburg Construction Site
On May 19, 2025 at 1027 hours, crews from the Harrisburg, Concord and Charlotte fire departments were dispatched for a commercial structure fire on Farmington Ridge Parkway. Fire crews began defensive operations with Harrisburg Car 1 assuming command. Due to the size and intensity of the fire, a second alarm was requested. The building, a daycare/child development center under construction, was destroyed. The intense heat from the fire damaged one of Harrisburg’s engines, as well as cracking windows and damaging several nearby buildings. There were no reported injuries, and the cause of the fire was under investigation. Units on the initial alarm also included Concord Engines 8 and 12, Truck 11, Rescue 3 and Battalions 2 and 3. Auto-aid from Charlotte included Engine 34, Ladder 31 and Battalion 2. The second alarm added Concord Engines 11 and 5, Ladder10 and Charlotte Engines 35 and 40 to the incident.
- Fire News photos by William G Kennedy
Buffalo Shoals Road Fire
On June 12, 2025, at 0508 hours Troutman Fire Rescue was dispatched along with units from Monticello, West Iredell and Catawba fire departments for a structure fire on Buffalo Shoals Road. Troutman Engine 3 reported heavy fire showing from the structure and a burn victim. Iredell County EMS and South Iredell Fire Department’s Air Van were also dispatched to the scene. The fire was declared under control in about 30 minutes, but crews were still overhauling and hitting hot spots for several hours after. One person was treated for burns by Iredell County EMS, the Red Cross was called to assist the displaced occupant, and the cause of the fire was under investigation.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Heavy Fire in North Raleigh
On July 5, 2024, Engine 4 arrived to Harbor Drive in North Raleigh and found heavy fire showing from the rear of a two-story, single-family dwelling. Both the structure and a boat parked behind the house were burning. Fire was soon showing through the roof, having extended through the attic. Crews attacked the blaze with both exterior and interior lines. It was controlled in about 45 minutes. One cat was rescued and treated. One firefighter suffered a sprained ankle, and a second alarm was requested when the injured firefighter was first reported. The second-alarm companies were subsequently cancelled. - Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Wendy’s Parking Lot Fire
On June 20, 2025 at 1637 hours, Troutman Police and Troutman Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle fire in the Wendy’s parking lot on Charlotte Highway. Troutman Police Officers were unable to extinguish the well involved fire with their fire extinguishers. Troutman Engine 1 arrived and stretched one hoseline and extinguished the fire. The two occupants in the vehicle were able to get out unharmed.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Kannapolis Mobile Home Fire in Leisure Park
On June 6, 2025 at 1345 hours, the Kannapolis Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire in the Leisure Park Mobile Home Community off Rainbow Drive. Kannapolis Battalion 1 reported a large visible header. Chief 1 arrived within two minutes and reported a wellinvolved single-wide mobile home, with fire spreading to an adjacent home. Due to the exposure, Chief 1 added two additional engine companies. Initial size up also found a venting propane tank on the front porch of one of the homes. Engine 21 arrived and initiated fire attack with Engine 11, while Ladders 34 and 14 conducted primary searches. Crews were able to control both building fires, with control called at 1406. There were no injuries reported to either firefighters or civilians. - Fire News photo by William G Kennedy
Collyer’s Mansion Conditions at Mooresville Fire
On May 27, 2025 at 0621 hours, the Shepherds, Mooresville, Mount Mourne and South Iredell fire departments were dispatched to a report of a structure fire on Cornelius Road in Mooresville. A working fire was transmitted on arrival with fire through the roof of the single-story structure. Two hoselines were stretched and the crew from Mooresville Engine 2 made an aggressive interior attack on the fire, getting a good knock on it. Additional crews did primary searches but were hampered due to Collyer’s Mansion conditions. All occupants were accounted for, and the fire was declared under control at 0659 hours with heavy overhaul to follow. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Iredell County fire Marshals office. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Extra Manpower Requested in Rolesville
On July 3, 2025, firefighters from five departments in Wake County battled a house fire on Redford Place Drive in Rolesville. With a heat index in the 90s, additional manpower was requested. Wake County EMS performed medical monitoring and rehab. Neighbors also brought extra bottled water to the scene. Units from Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wake-New Hope, Wendell and Hopkins responded, along with county and state fire investigators.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Fire on Bay Drive in Cary
All Out and Accounted For
On July 6, 2025 at 1220 hours, Shepherds Fire Rescue was alerted for a structure fire, along with Mooresville, Mount Mourne, Troutman and South Iredell fire departments. Responding units were notified that all occupants were out of the structure, but several animals were still inside. Arriving units found smoke coming from the structure and one child unaccounted for. Firefighters conducted a quick primary search and the child was located safely outside by a family member. Crews assisted the animals safely out. Two lines were stretched, and the fire was quickly knocked down. An exterior fire had extended into the structure and crews contained the fire to one room. No injuries were reported and Iredell County EMS evaluated fire fighters who were fighting the fire in the extreme weather conditions.
- Fire News photo by Chris Creighton
On the afternoon of June 20, 2024, Cary Fire Department responded to a report of a residential structure fire on Bay Drive. Upon arrival, Engine 9 reported heavy smoke showing from the rear of the residence. Engine 9’s crew advanced a hoseline to the rear and made entry into the structure. The fire had originated on a back deck and extended into the home. All occupants had safely exited. As additional units arrived, crews conducted primary searches and began opening up to check for fire extension. Fire was located in the attic area, prompting the transmission of a second alarm for additional manpower. Mutual aid assistance was provided by Swift Creek, Apex and Morrisville. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Holly Springs House Fire
On the afternoon of June 10, 2025, the Holly Springs Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Sunset Walk Lane. Car 1 reported a working fire in a two-story private dwelling, with visible fire showing from the first floor. Fire crews initiated an aggressive interior attack, deploying multiple handlines to bring the fire under control. Due to the scale of the incident, mutual aid was requested and received from Apex, Fairview, Fuquay-Varina, Cary and Swift Creek. The fire was brought under control after coordinated suppression efforts by all responding units. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
- Fire News photos by Chris Creighton
Trinity Structure Fire
On June 26, 2025 at 1343 hours, the Trinity Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire on Weston Road, down the road from their station. Monticello, Central and Stony Point fire departments, Iredell County EMS and Rescue Squad also responded. Trinity Engine 1 was met with heavy fire coming from an attached garage and a vehicle also on fire outside the garage. Trinity’s quick response and aggressive attack on the fire in extreme ambient temperatures kept the fire contained to the attached garage. No injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshals Office was investigating the cause.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Vacant Private Residence Fire
On the evening of May 25, 2025, Apex Fire Department units were dispatched to a reported house fire on Jessie Drive. Wake County Dispatch advised that multiple 911 calls were being received, all reporting a structure fire. Upon arrival, Fairview Engine 1 confirmed a working fire in a vacant private residence. Fire crews initiated an aggressive attack, deploying multiple hoselines to bring the blaze under control. Mutual aid was provided by units from Fairview, Cary, Swift Creek, and Holly Springs. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Wake County Fire Marshal’s Office. - Fire News photos by Chris Creighton
Overturn with Entrapment
On June 26, 2025 at 1055 hours, Troutman Fire Rescue, Troutman Police and Iredell County EMS were dispatched to an overturned auto with entrapment on Perry Road. Troutman Police were first on the scene, followed by EMS and established communication with the driver, who had lost control and struck several trees before overturning off the roadway. Iredell County EMS started treating the driver and Troutman firefighters, along with Troutman Police, were able to get the driver out of the vehicle; EMS transported her to a local hospital.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Man Airlifted Following Pickup Rollover
On May 26, 2025, Gaston Fire and Rescue (Northampton County) responded to a vehicle rollover on NC State Highway 48. Upon arrival, a pickup was found on its passenger side with the driver out of the vehicle. The male, who was in stable condition, was treated by Northampton County EMS before being airlifted from the scene by UNC Carolina Air Care. During the incident, one lane of the highway was shut down. North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the accident investigation. Also on the scene or involved in the incident was Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, NC Northampton County 911 Communications, and North Carolina Department of Transportation.
- Photos courtesy AC Eddie Porter
Utility Pole Keeps Cab Upright, Just Missing Driver
On June 5, 2025 at 0656 hours, the Mooresville and Shepherds fire departments along with the Mooresville Police Department responded to a tractor-trailer accident on Cornelius Road by Indian Springs Road. A tractor-trailer lost control and overturned spilling its load of soft drinks. The driver narrowly missed serious injury when a utility pole ripped through the sleeper part of the cab; the utility pole kept the cab from overturning.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Fatal Charlotte Mother’s Day Crash
On May 11, 2025 at 2258 hours, Charlotte Fire Department Engine 9-C Shift along with Ladder 39-C Shift and Mecklenburg County EMS responded to an MVA on Mckee Road. Engine 9 arrived and found a car had struck a tree, pinning the driver, who was unconscious. The force of the crash also took out a large tree across the roadway. Ladder 39 began stabilization of the vehicle and extrication with the crew of Engine 9. Due to the driver being heavily pinned under the dash and in critical condition, an additional heavy rescue was requested from Matthews Fire and EMS. Under command of Battalion Chief Trina Davies, firefighters from Charlotte and Matthews continued extrication of the driver while EMS continued to provide life saving measures to the patient. The driver was extricated in approximately 26 minutes, and pronounced deceased by Mecklenburg County EMS. The scene was turned over to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for an accident investigation. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit determined speed was a factor in the deadly crash.
- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com
A Bee-Yond Normal Call for Service
Recently, Gaston Fire and Rescue (Northampton County) provided assistance for a tractortrailer driver who had a flat tire on Interstate-95. While this may seem unique for a fire department response, the truck was hauling 130 pallets of bee hives equating to millions of honey bees. In order for the flat tire to be replaced, the bees had to be calmed down and that is where our part came in. You might ask, “How does a firefighter calm down bees?” No, we did not use our charming abilities or sweet talk. Instead, we used bursts of water in a fog pattern to help cool the hives, which in turn calmed the bees. No bystanders or firefighters were harmed during this incident and the honey bees were able to continue their journey to New York for the summer.
- Submitted by Paul Nowell, Captain
Van Overturn with Entrapment
On June 22, 2025 at 0755 hours, Mooresville Fire Rescue, Shepherds Volunteer Fire Department and Iredell County EMS were dispatched to an MVA on MT Ulla Highway. Responding units were notified of a rollover with possible entrapment and Mooresville Rescue 1 was added to the alarm. Ladder 6 was first on the scene and confirmed an entrapment. Ladder 6 crews stretched a precautionary hose line and removed the windshield of the van that was on its side and removed the driver who was suspended by the seatbelt. Iredell County EMS evaluated the driver, and all other units were cancelled.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
On June 24, 2025 at 0554 hours, Troutman Fire Rescue, Shepherds Volunteer Fire Department and Iredell County EMS were dispatched for a report of an MVA with rollover and entrapment on Oswalt Amity Road. Arriving units found a multi-vehicle MVA with one vehicle in a field that appeared to have rolled over and landed upright with all patients out of the vehicles. One person was transported to a local hospital by ICEMS.
- Fire News photo by ImmsterfirePhotos.com
Dog Rescued from Pickup in Lake
On July 12, 2025 at 1151 hours, the Mount Mourne and Mooresville fire rescue units, Iredell County EMS and Mooresville Police were notified by an ICEMS unit on the scene of a pickup truck on its roof in the retaining pond at Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital with a dog still inside. The pickup plunged 20 feet into the pond after being
parked in the parking lot of the hospital. Four firefighters from Mount Mourne and Mooresville departments entered the water and, using a Halligan, were able to pry the door open and rescue the trapped dog. The dog was scared but appeared to be ok.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterfirePhotos.com
1st an Overturned Pickup, then a Motorhome into a Tractor-Trailer
On June 2, 2025 at 0731 hours, Troutman Fire Rescue, Iredell County EMS and NC State Highway Patrol units responded to a report of a pickup truck overturned into the woods on the southbound B I77 at the 38-milemarker. While units were at that scene, one lane was closed backing up traffic during the morning commute; a second accident occurred at 0750 hours just before exit 42. A motorhome towing a Jeep crashed into the back of a tractor trailer injuring the motorhome occupants. Crews were released from the first accident and additional units from the agencies responded to the second accident. - Fire News photos by ImmsterfirePhotos.com
Pole vs Vehicle
On June 6, 2025 at 1416 hours, Mooresville Fire Rescue and Iredell County EMS responded to a report of an MVA with overturn on Charlotte Highway. Mooresville Engine 4 was first on scene and reported a car versus pole with no overturn. The driver of the SUV was evaluated by EMS and the utility company was notified to respond. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Dunn Emergency Services and NC NG Train Together
Dunn Emergency Services recently facilitated a multi-agency training event in partnership with the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) and several regional public safety organizations. The concept for the exercise originated from a representative of the NCNG, who approached Dunn Emergency Services with the idea of conducting a joint mission that would benefit both military personnel and first responders.
Following multiple planning sessions between the National Guard and local emergency services, a comprehensive training scenario was developed. With permission from the City of Dunn, NCNG personnel occupied several cityowned properties, designating them as covert target locations. Their mission was to move undetected through the urban environment, blending into the surroundings while concealing equipment and personnel.
The platform DroneSense was used to manage the aerial assets and provided a shared operational picture for both military and civilian participants. This technology enabled all involved agencies to assess performance in real time and identify areas for improvement.
In contrast, the objective for first responders was to deploy drone teams to conduct aerial surveillance and locate these targets over a wide geographic area. Due to the scale of the exercise, additional drone teams were brought in from Erwin Fire Department, Harnett County Emergency Management, and Cary Fire Department to support the operation.
The training was conducted over a two-day period. Live drone footage was transmitted back to a centralized command post, where multiple display screens allowed real-time monitoring and coordination.
At the conclusion of the exercise, all participants gathered at the community center for a debriefing session. Lessons learned and strategies for improvement were discussed, with an emphasis on enhancing interagency coordination and technical proficiency.
All parties agreed that the joint training was a tremendous success. The collaboration between military and emergency services demonstrated the value of integrated operations and reinforced the importance of continued joint preparedness initiatives.
- Submitted by Rodney Eason, Deputy Chief
Pittsboro, N. Chatham Train Together
The Pittsboro Fire Department conducted mutual-aid training operations with North Chatham Fire Department. Crews used one engine to draft from Jordan Lake to provide water supply for Pittsboro’s Tower 12. - Submitted by Dan Murphy
Friday Night Truck Wash
On the evening of June 20, 2025, these firefighters were washing Squad 1 on the rear apron at Station 1 in downtown Durham. The Bull City fire department has three of the two-person squads. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros
TRAINING
Live Burn for Cool Springs FFs
On May 26, 2025, the Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department held live burn training for its members at a structure on Mocksville Highway. The home was donated to the fire department by the family that owned it, to make way for a new home coming in September. Under the direction of Chief Andy Webster, crews were able to make multiple runs fighting different fires that were set in different rooms of the home until it was not safe to enter anymore. Firefighters monitored the structure as it was allowed to burn down. The training was a great success, and the rain didn’t hamper crews. These types of trainings are fundamental in allowing firefighters to get the closet type of training to a real structure fire in a “somewhat” controlled environment to better serve their communities.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirephotos.com
Child Rescued at Looking Glass Falls
The Transylvania County Rescue Squad, Transylvania County Emergency Medical Services, Brevard Fire Department, and the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a call at the base of Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest. A child had swum to the far side of the falls and within just a few minutes the river rose with flash flooding from a heavy rain earlier. Due to the swift and quickly rising water, the child was left stranded on the other side. Our team sent two swift water technicians to the base of the falls. Using a tether, they were able to reach the uninjured child and bring the child to safety.
- Photos courtesy of Transylvania County Rescue Squad
Looking Close at a Lookout Tower
Have you ever wanted to see inside an old forest fire lookout tower? Here are drone views of the Howard Road fire tower in North Raleigh. The 99-½ foot Aeromotor steel tower was originally erected in 1937 at a different site on Six Forks Road. In 1968, the tower was moved about two-and-a-half miles southwest to its present location on Howard Road. The tower was last manned in 1985. Other active buildings on the site house the equipment and offices of North Carolina Forest Service personnel based in Wake County.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
40th Firefighters Freedom Competition in Southport
Firefighters from Southeastern North Carolina came together on June 28, 2025, to take part in the 40th Annual Fire Fighters Freedom Competition and Apparatus Expo. The event was part of Southport's week-long celebration for the 4th of July.
- Photos courtesy of Boiling Spring Lakes FR
Jaime Waiwaiole, Fire Service Veteran to Retire
In January 1986, Jaime Waiwaiole was hired as a Firefighter with the Statesville Fire Department. Jaime served the citizens of Statesville and the Statesville Fire Department for 30 years. During that career, Jaime made many contributions to the department. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant and came to be known as a very competent fire service professional.
Jaime decided to retire from Statesville in August 2016. At that time, he was also working as a part-time Firefighter for Troutman Fire and Rescue. At that time, Troutman was hiring fulltime personnel to keep up with the growth of the fire district and the increasing call demand. Jaime was hired as a full-time Engineer (Fire Apparatus Operator) beginning in August of 2016. He has served the citizens of the Troutman area and Troutman Fire and Rescue for the last nine years. Jaime has been very instrumental in training the younger generation of firefighters on apparatus driving and fire pump operations.
Jaime will be missed by all that have worked with him all these years and we wish the best in his retirement years.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Touch-a-Truck for the Fourth
In Wake County on July 4, 2025, Knightdale Engine 131, Ladder 13, and Battalion 1 participated in a town-sponsored “touch a truck” festival, at a local park. The crews also distributed educational materials during the four-hour event.
- Fire News photos by Mike Legeros
Annual Fire Truck Festival in Spencer
On June 14, 2025, the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer held its annual Fire Truck festival with the oldest to newest fire apparatus and interactive activities for all of the attendees.
- Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com
Open House for New Matthews Fire Station
On April 26, 2025, Mathews Fire and EMS held a community open house to celebrate the opening of their brand-new Station 3. The new station, built by SAMET Construction, located at 3017 Matthews Mint Hill Road, went into service on March 10, 2025. Just prior to opening to the community, Matthews Fire and EMS chiefs, officers, staff and Town of Matthews officials held an "uncoupling" ceremony. Prior to the uncoupling community members and fire department staff had the opportunity to scribe well wishes and messages of support on the fire hose used during the ceremony. The hose will be placed in a prominent area of the firehouse in the future to recognize this historic event. The 12,578-square-foot facility features two drive-through bays and was primarily financed using Covid funds. With the addition of the third station, Matthews Fire and EMS will now be much closer to residents in the eastern area of town and the new fire station will increase the percentage of Matthews residents living within 2.5 miles of fire resources to 87 percent, up from 68 percent. A FUN FACT about the new fire station: The firehouse kitchen features a unique picnic-style table that was built/carved from a tree on the property as construction began.
- Fire News story by William G. Kennedy; photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com and William G. Kennedy
Battle of the Badges
Recently, several of the Wake County fire and police departments participated in a Battle of the Badges softball tournament to help support the Miracle League of the Triangle. - Submitted by Paul W. Pope Jr.
Rescue Tubes in Wrightsville
The Town of Wrightsville Beach has partnered with The Rescue Tube Foundation to install yellow rescue tubes at key beach access points. These tubes are available for use in case of water emergencies when lifeguards are not on duty. They help keep victims afloat until emergency personnel can arrive. There are currently 14 locations along the beach. So far this year there has been at least one rescue made using the rescue tube.
- Fire News photo by Chris Creighton
Obituary
Hickory’s Jake Wayne Bridges
“It is with a heavy heart that I deliver the news that no fire chief ever wants to deliver. Yesterday we lost one of our own, Hickory Firefighter Jake Bridges, while on duty,” stated Hickory Fire Chief Matt Hutchinson. Firefighter Jake Wayne Bridges of Shelby died in the Line of Duty on June 5, 2025. He was 20-years old,
At approximately 1:49 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, Hickory firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire. The fire was extinguished, and firefighters cleared the scene at approximately 4:52 a.m. After returning to their station, firefighters worked to get the truck back in service. At approximately 5:08 a.m., Firefighter Bridges experienced a medical emergency and was transported to Frye Regional Medical Center. Despite the best efforts of his fellow firefighters, first responders, and medical personnel, sadly, Jake passed away.
Jake was of the Christian faith and a 2023 graduate of Burns High School in Lawndale. He was a proud firefighter for the Hickory Fire Department. Jake enjoyed cheering on the Atlanta Braves and playing golf. He demonstrated his passion for the firefighting profession and dedication to the community and, after completing the Gaston College Fire Academy in 2022, he joined the Hickory Fire Department in June 2023 as a certified Level II Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Jake was preceded in death by his father, Jeremy Wayne Bridges. Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Laura Bridges King and husband Ed of Shelby; paternal grandparents: Debbie and Wayne Bridges of Lattimore; maternal grandparents: Dr. and Mrs. James Potts of Shelby; Girlfriend: Anna Grace Carroll Memorials may be made to North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation, PO Box 144, Mocksville, NC 27028.
The Hickory Fire Department grieves this tragic loss and mourns with Jake’s family, friends, and the community. The department thanks the community and all partner agencies and neighboring departments for their support during this difficult time.
- Photo courtesy of Hickory FD
Support Your Community at No Cost to You: Civic Makes It
Possible
At Civic, we’re proud supporters of the NC Fire Service. We know that you keep our communities safe, and in turn, we want to take care of you. That’s why we offer opportunities for you to turn your pride and dedication into support for NC State Firefighters’ Association (NCSFA) programs — at no cost to you.
Open a Civic Bonus Checking Account and select a Fire debit card. Then, each time you use your Fire debit card, Civic will donate 50 percent of its share of net merchant fees directly to NCSFA. We’ll help support essential programs such as firefighter training, health insurance, disability income, and more. All you need to do is use your debit card how you normally would.
In addition to automatic donations made to NCSFA, the Bonus Checking Account gives you financial wellness tools in the app, access to direct deposits up to 3 days early, reimbursed ATM fees at any ATM, up to $20 a month, and real-time spending and account alerts.
To get started, open a Bonus Checking Account with a $5 deposit, and select a Fire debit card at account opening. There’s no minimum balance requirement and you’ll earn dividends compounded daily.
Show up big for your NC fire service family, and your wallet, with a Fire debit card.
FAMA Fire Apparatus Design Symposium
The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) will be held on Tuesday, October 21 through Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819.
It’s an opportunity all fire chiefs, fleet managers and spec committees, to join FAMA’s 1st Annual Fire Apparatus Design Symposium! All too often, a committee ends up getting a specific opinion from one manufacturer, guiding them towards purchasing their product, instead of fact-based information on the technology, allowing them to make their own conclusions on which product to purchase.
FAMA is a non-profit organization and is recognized as the most comprehensive resource to the emergency vehicle industry. As a Fire Chief or Apparatus Committee, who can better answer your questions than the people who actually engineer, test and produce the products?
By offering presentations delivered by competing vendor suppliers, you can be assured that the information will be fact-based on the technologies, and not a typical sales pitch..
If your department wants to stay on top of apparatus technology, and make connections with industry leaders, this is the one event you don’t want to miss!
Obituary Riceville’s Violet Caramella, LODD
With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department announced the Line-of-Duty death of during a training exercise on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Violet Caramella, served as a Firefighter-AEMT for the Riceville Volunteer Fire Department for a year.
Violet attended Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Violet was a member of Skyland Fire Department.
She is survived by a husband and two children and an extended emergency services family.
“I am deeply saddened to share the news of a line-of-duty death involving one of our own during a training activity in service to our community,” said Riceville Fire Chief Kelly. “This is a devastating loss for our department, our community, and most of all, for the family of our fallen firefighter. No words can fully express the grief we are feeling — our thoughts are with the Violet’s family, friends, and fellow crew members.”
The accident occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. while members were completing a training exercise. Multiple departments were engaged in a scheduled multi-agency training exercise in the Montreat area of North Carolina. During the course of the exercise, a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) was involved in a serious accident. Despite the immediate and skilled efforts of fellow firefighters and emergency personnel, Violet succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the accident.
“Violet was deeply committed to service, family, and our community. This tragedy will have a profound impact to our organization, leaving every colleague and community member she encountered better for having known them,” said Chief Kelly. “While this loss will take time to heal from, we will walk through it together, stronger and forever
shaped by the immensity of what we’ve lost.” Two additional Riceville members were also injured in the accident and transported for medical treatment.
The Riceville Volunteer Fire Department offers its deepest thanks to our partner agencies and the community for their outpouring of support during this difficult time. - Photos courtesy of Riceville VFD
Obituary
Orange County’s Rob Tuck
On Saturday, May 17, 2025, members of Orange County Emergency Services, the Bahama Fire Department, and the broader emergency services community gathered with friends and family to honor the life of Rob Tuck, a dedicated public servant who passed away suddenly.
Rob Tuck devoted much of his life to public safety, serving in multiple agencies throughout the region. His career included service with the Roxboro Fire Department, Person County Emergency Communications, Ceffo Fire and Rescue, Timberlake Fire and Rescue, Bahama Fire and Rescue, and most recently, Orange County Emergency Services, where he worked as a 911 telecommunicator.
To those who worked alongside him, Rob was known for his calm demeanor, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others. He was a mentor to many in the field and a dependable voice in moments of crisis — always present on the other end of the radio or phone when needed most.
Beyond his professional contributions, Rob was a man of deep passions. He loved trains and often volunteered his time at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. Most of all, he was a devoted family man, remembered for the love and pride he carried for his loved ones.
Rob Tuck’s impact on his community and colleagues is immeasurable. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire those who serve.
Rest easy Rob. Your watch is over. - Fire News photos by Chris Creighton
