Oak City Fire-EMS Department

09/08/2026

Did you know? A child as young as 3 can pull the trigger of a gun, which poses a serious risk for parents who own fi****ms.
With hunting season in NC quickly approaching, it's important to know that if fi****ms are in your home, they need to be locked, unloaded, and stored away from am******on and out of reach of young kids.

One conversation with your child could save a life. Looking for resources on how to start? Visit our article about Children's Gun Safety in the comments below!

What Kids Need to Know:
✔️ Never touch a fi***rm
✔️ Tell an adult immediately if you find one

For Parents: Have this talk. Now. Before hunting season starts.

For Educators: A five-minute classroom conversation about fi***rm safety reinforces what parents teach at home. Your students live in homes with guns. Age-appropriate education matters.

Responsible gun ownership saves lives. Talk to your children about gun safety.

09/07/2026

Congratulations are in order for our very own Captain Donnie Stroud!! Donnie joined our department as a volunteer and after some time decided this was his chosen career. He attended the Martin Community College Fire Academy and I’m pleased to say, finished top of his class. September 4th Donnie started work at Morehead City Fire Department as a professional Firefighter!!! Thankfully his residence will remain in Oak City and will continue be a valuable asset to our department too on his days off. So Congratulations Donnie and we wish you the very best in your professional career. We all knew you could do it!!!

09/06/2026

Starting September 1, 2026, applicants will have the option to schedule their NC Code Officials Qualification Board (COQB) exam through QUEST, the new remote online live-proctored testing option.
Here’s what you need to know:
*You must first receive authorization from the NC Code Officials Qualification Board to take the exam.
*Testing Options

Remote online live-proctored testing through QUEST
In-person testing at a PSI testing location

Through April 30, 2027: You may choose either remote or in-person testing.

Beginning July 1, 2027: All COQB exams will be administered remotely through online proctoring.

Important: You will select your testing method as part of the application process. Once your application is completed, you cannot change your exam method.

Questions about eligibility or authorization?

📞 Terri Tart, Certification Administrator: 919-647-0031
📧 [email protected]

📞 Renita Denton, Certification Assistant: 919-647-0005
📧 [email protected]

Please share this update with anyone preparing to take a COQB exam!

09/06/2026

TWO INSURANCE FRAUD ARRESTS:
Our Special Agents have made two arrests in separate insurance fraud investigations.

Daffney Davis, 48, of Concord, is accused of altering two insurance claims and directing more than $44,000 in checks to people and a company that were not entitled to the money. She faces three felony charges.

Victor Deontray Bannerman, 43, of Greensboro, is accused of creating a forged towing invoice for $1,581.06 and submitting it as part of a fraudulent auto insurance claim. He faces four felony charges.

Our Special Agents work in all 100 counties to investigate insurance fraud and protect North Carolina consumers. To learn more about these cases and where to report fraud, visit ncdoi.gov/fraud-control

09/06/2026

Registration is now OPEN for the 2026 NC APCO Telecommunicator Training Symposium!

Join us November 9-11, 2026, for two and a half days of high-impact training, networking, and professional development designed specifically for our 911 professionals. Whether you are looking to earn valuable CEUs, discover the latest in communications center technology, or connect with fellow telecommunicators from across North Carolina, this is the event of the year.

Make sure you secure your spots early!

🗓️ Dates: November 9-11, 2026
📍 Details & Registration: www.tcsymposium.org

08/18/2026

Congratulations to North Carolina’s own Brian Taylor

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Captain Doug Bissette of Pinetown Volunteer Fire Department, who was inducted as the 100th President of the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association during its 139th Annual Meeting, held last week at the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina!

Doug’s theme for the year, “Attitude Reflects Leadership,” will guide him as he leads the Association and serves firefighters across our state. He knows that good leadership begins with the right attitude, and that the example set by today’s leaders and mentors shapes the next generation and helps move the fire service into the future.

Doug’s lifelong passion and love for the fire service have guided him throughout his life and career. It is a calling he shares with his family and has proudly passed along to his son, Keegan.

Please join us in congratulating President Bissette and wishing him a successful and meaningful year of leadership!

08/15/2026

Thank you Jay Howell for all you do for so many!

For more than five decades, Chief Jay Howell has been a dedicated servant and leader in North Carolina's fire service. Beginning his career with the Nahunta Volunteer Fire Department in 1969, he went on to serve as Fire Chief for 36 years, helping guide and strengthen his department while earning the respect of firefighters across the state.

A past President of the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs, former NCSFA Firefighter of the Year, and current Treasurer of the North Carolina State Firefighters' Association, Chief Howell has devoted his career to advancing the fire service at the local, state, and national levels. His leadership has also extended to the National Fire Protection Association, where he has represented volunteer fire departments in the development of national standards.

His lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to North Carolina's firefighters make him a truly deserving member of the Timothy L. Bradley Hall of Fame.

Thank you Chief Jay Howell for all you have done and continue to do for Nahunta Fire Dept, and departments across the county, state, and nation! Congratulations, Chief!

08/09/2026

How does 2 nights in the Critter Cabin located in rural Oak City, NC including 2 days of hunting rights sound? If it sounds amazing, here’s your chance! Tickets are now on sale! Drawing to be held October 23, 2026 at the Hobgood Varsity Football Senior night celebration! Tickets are $50 each, you can purchase tickets using the QR code below or see a Hobgood Charter School Booster club member!

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1629638096389334461?unique_share_id=a4eaa7c6-7ea7-495a-a9f7-d3c97f4ee9a8&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

08/01/2026

The Oak City Fire Department has received a grant through the Office of State Marshal to provide smoke detectors to our citizens in and around our fire district. So if you are in need of a detector and can not afford one simply call our station @ 252-798-3101 weekdays 8:00 am - 5:00 pm and give your information. We will contact you on a time to install your smoke detector. Our goal is to give you all the time possible in the event of a fire. Your safety our number 1 priority!!!