Welcome to the Charlotte Fire Family Congratulations to Charlotte Fire Recruit Class 129 on their graduation from the Charlotte Fire Training Academy. Under the leadership of Training Officer Captain Jeremy Poole, these recruits have shown the dedication, resilience, and skill required to serve and protect the City of Charlotte. Now, as they officially join the ranks of Charlotte Fire, they carry forward a legacy of bravery, service, and commitment to the community. We are proud to welcome them into the fire service and look forward to the impact they will make. Join us in congratulating our newest firefighters: Kaitlin Akers Luis Hernandez Alvarado Sebastian Boyd Christopher Irvine Richard Cockrell Jr. Abby Lathan Tyler Craig Jonathan Motsinger Brayden Dingus Juren Nye Bohdan Fetisov Matthew Russo Nicholas Fink

Captain’s Corner: Inside Ladder 1 What does it take to lead one of Charlotte Fire’s busiest ladder companies? Captain Michael Watts isn’t just running a crew—he’s building a team, training the next generation, and preparing them for anything the job throws their way. From high-stakes rescues to midnight drills, Ladder 1 is always ready. Step inside the firehouse and see leadership in action.

From the battlefield to the fireground, Captain Michael Watts has dedicated his life to serving others. As a former combat medic in the Army National Guard—including a deployment to Afghanistan—he developed the discipline and leadership that now guide him as the captain of Ladder 1. Today, he’s shaping the next generation of firefighters with that same commitment. Read his full story here: and stay tuned—his Captain’s Corner video premieres this Friday!

Yesterday, the next chapter for Firehouse 11 began. For decades, this firehouse stood as a second home to generations of firefighters and a symbol of service to the Charlotte community. While the walls are coming down, the legacy built within them will always remain. This marks a step forward—one that honors the past while making way for the future. A new firehouse will rise on this site, ensuring that Charlotte’s firefighters continue to serve with the same dedication and excellence that defined Firehouse 11 for so many years.

Honoring True Heroes! Engine 15 answered the call on April 29, stepping into danger to save lives. Their courage and selflessness in the face of unimaginable circumstances have now been recognized with the Hometown Hero Award. For them, it wasn’t about awards—it was about doing the job, standing together, and protecting their community. Read more about their bravery and the honor they received:

Cookies for Community Support the Charlotte Regional Fire Foundation by ordering from Tiff’s Treats between February 3 - February 17, 2025 and using the code CRFF25 at checkout. How it works: Place an order for pickup or delivery at or via the Tiff’s Treats mobile app Use code CRFF25 at checkout 20% of your purchase will go to benefit Charlotte Regional Fire Foundation Your purchase helps support Charlotte firefighters and their families in times of need. About the Charlotte Regional Fire Foundation The Charlotte Regional Fire Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance and support to the members of Charlotte Fire and Mecklenburg County fire departments, their families, and community members facing hardship. Since its founding in 2009, the foundation has provided financial relief, medical assistance, and other critical aid to first responders and their loved ones when unexpected tragedy strikes. By participating in this fundraiser, you’re directly contributing to the firefighters who risk their lives for the community every day. Order between: February 3 - February 17, 2025 Available at all store locations when ordering online or through the app. In-store orders also count—just mention the code at checkout. Let’s rally behind our firefighters and their families while enjoying warm, fresh cookies. Tag a friend who needs to hear about this.

IT'S HERE! Charlotte Fire’s permanent Ladder 2 has arrived! Crews completed training last week, and this Pierce Ascendant 107' Heavy-Duty Tiller Aerial Ladder will officially go into service next month. Built for peak performance, it features a Cummins X-15 engine, Allison 4500EVS transmission, Waterous 2000 GPM pump, and a 200-gallon water tank. With 107 feet of vertical reach and a 750 lb. tip load, this rig is ready for the job. Stay tuned—Ladder 2 will hit the streets next month! Who’s ready to see it in action?

Charlotte Fire Honors the Legacy and Future of Black Firefighters. Long before Charlotte was chartered, Black firefighters were protecting their communities, paving the way for future generations. The historic Neptune Fire Company, founded in the 1800s, stood against the odds, ensuring safety despite limited resources and systemic barriers. Today, that legacy continues through the @NeptuneFireCLT, where Charlotte Fire’s firefighters are making history of their own. From mentorship to leadership, they are shaping the future of the fire service and inspiring the next generation. This Black History Month, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future. Read how Charlotte Fire’s firefighters are carrying the Neptune legacy forward here->

CHARLOTTE FIRE FEATURE FRIDAY: Blood, sweat, and pure determination. Charlotte Fire’s Winter Training 2025 is not just a drill—it’s survival, teamwork, and split-second decision-making in the heat of the moment. From high-intensity fire attack drills to Mayday rescues, our firefighters push themselves to be ready for anything. This is what it takes to protect the Queen City @CLTgov

Intense training. Real-world scenarios. Unwavering dedication. Charlotte Fire's Winter Training 2025 pushes firefighters to their limits, preparing them for the unexpected challenges they face every day. From stretching attack lines to tackling simulated Mayday rescues, this training sharpens skills and strengthens teamwork. It's a behind-the-scenes look at how Charlotte Fire ensures they’re always ready to protect and serve our community. Read the full story here: Stay tuned for the video drop this Friday!

A New Era for Firehouse 30! Firehouse 30 is taking shape near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, designed to meet the growing needs of one of the city’s busiest areas. This state-of-the-art facility will include modern living quarters, a spacious three-bay layout, and enhanced features like a safety catwalk and upgraded infrastructure to serve the community better. A proud blend of traditional firehouse design with modern functionality. Learn more about how this innovative firehouse is preparing to protect Charlotte’s future! Read the story here->

Charlotte Firehouse 30: Leading the Charge in Innovation! Charlotte Fire’s all-electric future is taking shape! Firehouse 30, strategically located near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, is steadily advancing toward completion. First all-electric firehouse in the Southeast! Home to a cutting-edge all-electric fire engine. Improved response times for one of Charlotte’s busiest areas. “This firehouse isn’t just a building—it’s a commitment to safety, sustainability, and our community,” says Fire Chief @RegE_TJohnson. Estimated to open in December 2025, Firehouse 30 is raising the bar for emergency response and environmental innovation. Stay tuned for updates!

Behind every rescue is training that never quits. Charlotte Firefighters took on an intensive rope rescue program, mastering the skills needed to tackle the most demanding emergencies. From scaling heights to executing lifesaving maneuvers, this training showcases Charlotte Fire’s unwavering commitment to excellence and community safety. “Our firefighters’ dedication to constant improvement is what keeps Charlotte Fire at the forefront of emergency services,” Fire Chief @RegE_TJohnson said. “This training is one more way we’re ensuring the safety of our community.” Read the full story here:

Charlotte Fire Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader who inspired us all to serve with courage, compassion, and a commitment to equality. Dr. King's dream of unity and justice challenges us to continue building stronger, more inclusive communities. As we honor his memory, Charlotte Fire remains dedicated to serving and protecting everyone in our city with the same spirit of service that Dr. King exemplified. Let us all take a moment to reflect, act, and make a difference today and every day.

Captain Matthew Walker's story is one of courage, resilience, and dedication. As a firefighter and cancer survivor, he embodies the strength and determination of Charlotte Firefighters who face unimaginable challenges every day. January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the sacrifices firefighters make and the risks they face to protect our community. Read Captain Walker's powerful journey and learn how Charlotte Fire is fighting back against cancer risks: Let’s honor those who continue to serve while battling the toughest fights, both on and off duty.

Charlotte Fire is reaching new heights—literally! Our firefighters took on advanced rope rescue training, mastering life-saving techniques to be ready for any challenge. From scaling ropes to executing high-angle rescues, their dedication to protecting our community never stops. Check out the action-packed footage and see how Charlotte Fire stays prepared for the toughest emergencies!

For over six decades, Firehouse 11 was more than a building—it was a home for generations of firefighters, a symbol of safety, and a cornerstone of our community. On Saturday, the final crews moved out, closing a chapter in the history of Charlotte Fire. This firehouse witnessed countless lives saved, friendships forged, and moments that defined what it means to serve with courage and dedication. Though its walls will soon come down, the spirit of Firehouse 11—its legacy of service and sacrifice—will live on in the hearts of those who called it home and in the community it protected for so many years. Read the full story:

Charlotte Fire mourns the loss of Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty while battling a house fire in Laurel, Maryland. Master Firefighter Higgins, 46, served with honor and dedication for 23 years as a member of Montgomery County Fire & Rescue. On January 11, 2025, he answered the call to protect others during a mutual aid operation with Prince George's County Firefighters. A devoted husband and father of two, Higgins was more than a skilled firefighter—he was a mentor, colleague, and friend to so many in his department and beyond. His loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege to work alongside him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Higgins family, the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue family, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We stand in solidarity with them, honoring Christopher’s remarkable service and ultimate sacrifice.

This morning, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Charlotte Firehouse 11 as the final crews rolled out one last time. For more than six decades, Firehouse 11 has been a cornerstone of bravery, resilience, and service to our community. Generations of firefighters have answered the call from this firehouse, protecting lives and creating memories within its walls. Today marks the end of an era—but also the beginning of a new chapter. While the building will change, the spirit of Firehouse 11—the camaraderie, the dedication, the unwavering commitment to service—will remain. To the firefighters who’ve called Firehouse 11 home, thank you for your service and sacrifice. To the community it has protected, thank you for your trust and support. And to the legacy of Firehouse 11, it will live on in every life touched and every life saved.