Gaston Fire & Rescue

10/11/2026

Stay alert!

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of North Carolina and Virginia until 8 PM EDT.

10/11/2026

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAPTAIN CODY COOKE! 🎂

Please join us in wishing Captain Cody Cooke a very Happy Birthday!

Cody has proudly served Gaston Fire & Rescue for 11 years, beginning his journey at just 15 years old as a Cadet. Over the years, he has continued to expand his knowledge and skills, becoming a certified North Carolina Firefighter, Technical Rescuer, Swiftwater Rescuer, FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot, and PADI Master Underwater Crime Scene Investigator.

Most recently, Cody attended the NC Rope Rescue School in Jefferson, NC, further advancing his technical rescue skills.

Outside the department, Cody serves his community as a Patrolman with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department. He was also recognized with a Lifesaving Award for his heroic actions in rescuing an individual from a fire while on patrol.

Cody is a dedicated and valued member of our department who brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to our team. His commitment to serving others, both in the fire service and law enforcement, is something we are proud of.

Happy Birthday, Captain Cooke! Thank you for your continued dedication and service!

10/10/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Firefighter Freddie Outland and our brothers and sisters at Woodland Volunteer Fire Department. His 51 years of dedicated service to his community have left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.

🖤 IN LOVING MEMORY OF FIREFIGHTER FREDDIE OUTLAND 🖤

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that Woodland Volunteer Fire Department announces the passing of our brother, Firefighter Freddie Outland, who proudly served our department and the citizens of Woodland for 51 years.

Mr. Freddie was more than a firefighter. He was a pioneer, a dedicated public servant, and an important part of the foundation upon which our department stands today. He was among those who helped build this department during its earliest days, when resources were scarce, equipment was limited, and protective clothing consisted of little more than rain boots, rain jackets, and fire helmets. Through those humble beginnings, he helped lay the groundwork for the department we are proud to serve with today by serving as Firefighter, and holding the rank of Lieutenant and later Captain.

His dedication never wavered. Whether leading the way during fundraisers, lending a helping hand wherever needed, or responding to emergency calls when his community needed him, Mr. Freddie was someone you could always count on. His commitment to this department and the people we serve will never be forgotten.

Beyond his service, Mr. Freddie had a joking personality that could lighten the atmosphere around the station and bring a smile to those around him. Those moments of laughter, his friendship, and his unwavering dedication are memories we will carry with us forever.

Fifty-one years of service is more than a legacy. It is a lifetime of sacrifice, commitment, and brotherhood. Our department is better because of him, and his impact will continue to live on through every firefighter who follows in his footsteps.

As we mourn the loss of our brother, we ask that you keep his family, loved ones, and the entire Woodland Volunteer Fire Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Firefighter Freddie. Your watch is over, your service is complete, and your legacy will never be forgotten. We will take it from here, brother.

May you rest in eternal peace, Firefighter Freddie Outland.

🚒 WOODLAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
WVFD 1933

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Forever our brother. 🖤

10/09/2026

We are incredibly proud of our own Firefighter Alex Wood for his heroic and lifesaving actions! His courage and selflessness truly exemplify what it means to serve others.

Outstanding job, Alex! We’re proud to call you one of our own!

**HALIFAX COUNTY DEPUTY SAVES ELDERLY MAN FROM BURNING HOME**

Sergeant Alex Wood, a true hero, is being recognized for his courageous actions and life-saving response.

HALIFAX COUNTY, N.C. — Sheriff Tyree Davis commends Sergeant Alex Wood for his extraordinary courage and decisive actions in rescuing an elderly man from a burning residence on the evening of October 8, 2026.

At approximately 9:25 p.m., the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office was notification of a residential fire in the 100 block of Haywood Drive in Roanoke Rapids. The 911 caller lived next door and reported that a family member was alone inside the home and had not escaped the rapidly developing house fire.

Sergeant Wood promptly responded to the scene, where he encountered a residence actively engulfed in flames. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, he immediately advised responding fire personnel about the situation.

The female on the scene was screaming and hollering that her dad was still inside the house. Then, amid the smoke, flames, and imminent danger, and without hesitation, Sgt. Wood took decisive action.

Sergeant Wood ran to the burning trailer. Checked the front door and the door was locked. Sgt. Wood kicked in the front door to make entry into the residence. Smoke instantly overtook Sgt. Wood so he laid on the floor inside the house and started crawling inside the home calling out for the elderly male. The male heard Sgt. Wood’s voice and called back out to him. Sgt. Wood in complete smoke filled darkness located the male lying on the floor about 20 feet inside the burning home. Understanding that every second mattered, he immediately began the rescue and pulled the man out of the burning house. As they made it to the front porch Lieutenant E. Richardson arrived and joined Sergeant Wood, assisting in bringing the man to safety.

Sgt. Wood’s swift response, courage, and willingness to confront extreme danger helped bring a potentially tragic situation to a life-saving outcome.

The elderly male was transported to a local treatment facility where he is still being treated but in stable condition. Sgt. Wood was also treated by EMS at the scene of the fire and released.

Sheriff Davis proudly recognizes Sergeant Wood for his bravery, quick thinking, and unwavering commitment to protecting human life. Sheriff Davis also commends Lieutenant Richardson for his assistance and vital role in the rescue.

This incident is a powerful reminder of the courage and selflessness demonstrated by the men and women who serve in law enforcement. When faced with a life-threatening emergency, these deputies acted with determination and a profound sense of duty, placing the safety of another person at the forefront despite the danger to themselves.

The Halifax County Sheriff’s Office remains proud of its deputies, whose dedication to public service extends beyond their daily responsibilities. Their actions exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement: courage in the face of danger, compassion for those in need, and an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Halifax County.

When seconds mattered and danger stood in his path, Sgt. Wood answered the call. His actions reflect the true meaning of service, sacrifice, and heroism.

10/08/2026

Our hearts are with the Durham Fire Department as they mourn the loss of Firefighter Andrew Brokes. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters, and wish the two injured firefighters a full and speedy recovery.

We are heartbroken to share that Firefighter Andrew Brokes died in the line of duty this morning while searching for victims inside the building at 410 Marly Drive.

Firefighter Brokes, who joined the Durham Fire Department on May 5, 2025, served the Durham community with dedication, courage, and a deep commitment to the residents of the Bull City.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our department, the family, and the entire community,” said Durham Fire Chief Robert J. Zoldos II. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and his colleagues, and we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this unimaginably difficult time. The department is standing with and supporting his family in every possible way.”

Two other firefighters were injured during the incident and were taken to Duke Medical Center. Both have received care and are expected to make full recoveries.

This loss is felt across our entire department. Firefighters step into unpredictable situations every day in service to others, and Firefighter Brokes embodied that calling with honor.

We know our community is grieving alongside us. If you wish to share your condolences or messages of support, they will be received with gratitude by our department and by those who knew and loved Firefighter Brokes.

In the coming days, we will share more information about how we will honor his service and support the firefighters involved in this incident.

Thank you, Durham, for surrounding our DFD family with care during this profoundly difficult time.

10/08/2026

The members of Gaston Fire & Rescue extend our deepest condolences to the Durham Fire Department, along with the family and friends of the firefighter who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with the two injured firefighters as they recover.

10/05/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Firefighter Matthew Lynch! 🎉

Please join us in wishing Firefighter Matthew Lynch a very Happy Birthday!

Matthew has been a member of Gaston Fire & Rescue for nearly 5 years, first joining our department as a teenager through our Cadet Program. His connection to the department goes back even further as Matthew attended one of our earliest Kids Fire Camps as a camper and now gives back by helping with the camp each year.

Matthew is a credentialed North Carolina EMT and has continued to expand his technical rescue training. He has completed both Technical Rescuer Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue and Technical Rescuer Heavy Vehicle Rescue, and he is currently working through the Technical Rescuer Rope Rescue series.

In addition to serving as a firefighter, Matthew also serves as our Department Secretary and is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. He also helps keep our department looking sharp by assisting with signs, graphics, and other projects through his work with his family at Lynch’s Signs & Graphics.

Matthew is a valued member of our team, and we appreciate everything he does for our department and community.

🔥 Happy Birthday, Matthew! We hope you have a great one! 🚒

10/02/2026

🔥 YARD SALE TODAY! 🔥

The Gaston Fire & Rescue Auxiliary Yard Sale is happening TODAY!

Come early, look around, and grab a bargain before the good stuff is gone!

Stop by and see us today!

09/30/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Firefighter Braxton Johnson! 🎉

Please join us in wishing Firefighter Braxton Johnson a very Happy Birthday!

Braxton has proudly served with Gaston Fire & Rescue for 11 years, beginning his journey with our department as a cadet at just 14 years old.

Today, Braxton is a credentialed North Carolina Paramedic and continues his commitment to public service full-time as a Deputy with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office.

We’re thankful for Braxton’s years of dedication to our department and the communities he serves.

🚒 Happy Birthday, Braxton! We hope you have a great day! 🎂

09/28/2026

🛍️ Monthly Auxiliary Yard Sale 🚒

Our Gaston Fire & Rescue Auxiliary hosts a yard sale each month to help support Gaston Fire & Rescue and our community programs.

Be sure to stop by this Friday and Saturday and see what you can find! There’s always a variety of items available, and you never know what might show up from month to month.

All sale details are included in the flyer below.

Come shop, support our Auxiliary, and help support Gaston Fire & Rescue! 🚒❤️