City of Raleigh News Release - Fre Department Centennial

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs
Prepared by: Christopher Riley, Senior Public Affairs Specialist

April 5, 2012

Raleigh Fire Department to Celebrate 100 Years of Service
Kickoff event is Fire Department Retirees Luncheon April 10

This year the Raleigh Fire Department celebrates 100 years as a full-time professional fire department.

The first event to celebrate the Fire Department's centennial is a retiree luncheon to be held on Tuesday, April 10, 12:00 p.m. at the Keeter Training Center, 105 Keeter Center Drive. The annual chicken and rice luncheon was started eight years ago by the Raleigh Professional Fire Firefighters Association and its member firefighters who wanted to pay tribute to the retirees.

The Raleigh Professional Fire Firefighters Association pays the entire cost of the event, and their members make personal phone calls inviting all retired members of the Raleigh Fire Department to the event. The luncheon was such a hit, it quickly became an annual event at Fire Station 26. The Raleigh Professional Fire Firefighters Association has continued to sponsor the event each year.

This year, the luncheon has moved to the Keeter Training Center, so retirees can have portraits made for a centennial history book that is in production. Retirees also will receive merchandise, including centennial pens, centennial mugs, and t-shirts. Fire department ID cards will also be issued.

The Raleigh Fire Museum also will be open during the event. The museum is located in a classroom trailer at the training center. Retirees are encouraged to bring any artifacts to donate to the museum, as well as old photos. Retirees may have their photos scanned while they wait.

The luncheon will return to Fire Station 26 next year.

The Raleigh Fire Museum is open to the public on the second Saturday of each month, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free and parking is available.

The Raleigh Fire Department and the Raleigh Fire Museum are planning other anniversary events this year. To learn more visit the fire Department centennial website at www.RFD100.com