-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
The City of Henderson Fire Department, the Vance County Fire Department and the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Department will be offering a FREE Junior Firefighter program for ages 11-15. This program is designed to enhance career awareness, personal development and the understanding of fire safety.
This program is open to the first 30 participants. Participants must register at Aycock Recreation Center (307 Carey Chapel Rd. in Henderson) by Friday, March 15, 2019.
Please contact Tara Goolsby at (252) 438-3948 or tgoolsby@ci.henderson.nc.us or Victor Hunt at (252) 438-3408 or vhunt@ci.henderson.nc.us for more information.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Junior-Firefighter-Program-2019.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2019-02-22 16:54:102019-02-22 16:54:10Henderson Junior Firefighter Program Open to First 30 Participants
Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS Town Talk program to discuss tomorrow’s chicken plate fundraiser for Raegan “Rae Rae” Owen, a local 10-year-old girl battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
The fundraiser will be held this Friday, February 22, 2019, at Henderson Fire Station #1, 211 Dabney Drive, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Plates are available for $8 and tickets may be purchased from a member of the fire department prior to the event or the day of.
The event is sponsored by the Vance, Franklin, Granville and Warren County Fire and Rescue Departments with all proceeds benefiting Rae Rae and her family. T-shirts supporting Rae Rae’s battle with cancer will also be available for purchase.
Rae Rae’s father Randy Owen is a 32-year volunteer member of the fire department and the Fire & Rescue Coordinator at Vance-Granville Community College.
“When we see one of our own struggling with sickness like Rae Rae is battling, it really pulls on our heartstrings,” Cordell said. “We are one family, one fight.”
According to Cordell, the fire department has already sold approximately 1,200 tickets and anticipates serving a total of 2,500 plates.
“Come on out and eat with us on Friday. It’s hard to beat a chicken plate from a fire department. If it’s cooked by a fireman, it’s going to be a good meal.”
To hear the Town Talk interview with Chief Steve Cordell in its entirety, please click here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Henderson-Fire-Dept.-on-Dabney-Dr..png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-02-21 17:02:342019-02-21 16:15:48‘It’s Hard to Beat a Chicken Plate’ – Fire Dept.’s Fundraiser for ‘Rae Rae’ Owen This Fri.!
Henderson City Councilwoman Sara Coffey helped organize a bench press contest at the YMCA, which was held this past weekend to benefit Raegan “Rae Rae” Owen and family. Rae Rae is a 10-year-old young lady in our community, and she was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and is receiving treatment at this time. Her parents are Randy and Debbie Owen.
Coffey told WIZS News:
“We had a good turnout. We’re very thankful and appreciative of everyone. Tyler Pegram was our overall winner with 460 lbs. We had about 60 people from four different churches that came out in support of the cause. We raised around $900, not including gift certificates that still will be given from different restaurants. I presented [to] Randy for Rae Rae an autographed poster from Brooke Mills Simpson and two of Rae Rae’s family’s favorite photographs of her on canvas. It was a very emotional time for all of us, especially Randy, as I made the presentation.”
“We continue to thank our Brick Power Team for all their dedication and hard work.”
“My team will continue to support this family by attending other fundraisers as active participants. Rae Rae will start her 4th round of treatments this week. She is the strongest child I’ve ever known and continues to bless and encourage others by her strength and strong will.”
Randy Owen told WIZS News that this next round of chemo is expected to last around 30 days.
This Friday, February 22, 2019, the City of Henderson Fire Department will have a Chicken Plate Fundraiser from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Central Fire Station, located at 211 Dabney Drive.
The Fire Department Facebook page states, and Fire Chief Steve Cordell has also said, “This fundraiser is to benefit Raegan Owen and family; Raegan is the daughter of Randy and Debbie Owen. This will be held at Henderson Fire Department Station #1 – 211 Dabney Drive, Henderson. Please see a firefighter about buying tickets or stop by the Henderson Fire Dept.”
Vance, Franklin, Granville and Warren County Fire and Rescue Departments are supporting this cause. “One Family-One Fight. Rise Above For Rae Rae.”
Chief Cordell will join WIZS on TownTalk this Thursday, February 21with final and last-minute details and to remind everyone to come out. WIZS will broadcast live from the Fire Department on Friday for part of the time.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsresize_0000s_0079_VANCECOUNTY.png.png265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2019-02-18 16:54:062019-02-18 16:54:06Brick Power Team Supports ‘Rae Rae’ Owen, Local Child Battling Leukemia
Many in Vance County were pleasantly surprised to learn that the historic Fire Station #2, built in downtown Henderson in 1908, was recently featured on the Tar Heel Traveler series of WRAL News by reporter Scott Mason.
The clip highlighted the approximately 100-feet tall and over 100 years old clock tower as well as the fire station and adjoining municipal building that once served as the police station complete with the original jail cell.
According to Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell, the fire department was honored to be featured and to give a tour to viewers, including a bird’s-eye view of the city from the top of the tower.
While the fire station and municipal building have undergone multiple renovations recently, including redesigned bathrooms and the addition of new offices, much of the property remains original to the year it was built.
To view the Tar Heel Traveler episode featuring the station, please click here.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsresize_0000s_0079_VANCECOUNTY.png.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2019-01-11 17:01:392019-01-11 17:01:39Downtown Henderson Fire Station Featured on WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler
For the second time in less than three weeks, a local Mexican restaurant has caught on fire. Habanero Grill Mexican Restaurant, located on Parham Road in Henderson, caught on fire about 2:49 a.m., according to Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell. According to Cordell, the fire is under investigation and there are no reported injuries.
Visible at the scene was a smashed window and extensive damage. The roofline appears intact but proper damage assessment won’t happen until later today.
Habanero Grill owner, Blanca Yuri and her family, told WIZS News the restaurant will reopen, and hopefully soon. Yuri said the restaurant’s Facebook page would be kept up-to-date.
Yuri told WIZS News that someone broke into the restaurant and stole money from the safe. She said she suspects the thieves also set the business on fire. They are looking for answers and they are looking for who did it.
A video that was taken at the scene was placed on WIZS’ Facebook page earlier today.
Yuri told WIZS News that this fire appears to be very similar to what happened at Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant on Ruin Creek Rd. on November 27. That fire is still under investigation, and no official cause has been released by the Henderson Fire Department or the State Bureau of Investigation.
A sad morning for the restaurant and its family, as well as Mexican food lovers in the area, as Habanero Grill is presently surrounded by police tape. It is located within the city limits.
Habanero Grill Mexican Restaurant, located on Parham Road in Henderson, caught on fire about 2:49 a.m. on December 17, 2018, according to Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell. According to Cordell, the fire is under investigation and there are no reported injuries. (Photo: WIZS News)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Habanero-Grill-Fire-2018.png265504John C. Rosehttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngJohn C. Rose2018-12-17 16:55:192018-12-17 16:55:19Another Mexican Restaurant Burns! Habanero Grill Catches Fire in Early Morning Hours
Henderson Fire Department personnel responded to a fire at 520 Whitten Avenue at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Though firefighters were quickly able to control the blaze, the rental property, valued at $21,400, was declared a total loss.
According to Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell, the fire was caused by improper use of drop cords.
Deadra Fuller of Henderson was reported to have rented the property from owner Larry Richardson.
Both Fuller and daughter Erin Fowler were forced to escape the home through a bedroom window, said Cordell. Fowler sustained minor injuries to her leg and foot and received medical attention on the scene.
The 16 members of the Henderson Fire Department on the scene were assisted by three personnel from the Vance County Fire Department, two personnel from Vance County EMS and two personnel with the Vance County Air Truck.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Henderson-Fire-Dept.-on-Dabney-Dr..png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-12-05 16:56:282018-12-05 16:56:28Whitten Avenue Home Declared Total Loss in Tuesday’s Blaze
The City of Henderson Fire Department has received a US $2,832 fire prevention grant from FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers.
FM Global representatives presented the award to Fire Chief Steve Cordell at the City of Henderson Fire Department Station 1 located at 211 Dabney Drive in Henderson, NC 27536. The award will be used to assist with fire prevention activities in the community to help educate the community and reduce the number of fires.
Cordell further indicated in correspondence with WIZS that the grant will go towards the purchase of a new Sparky costume that will be used to help educate and promote fire safety locally.
Because fire continues to be the leading cause of property damage worldwide, during the past 40 years FM Global has contributed millions of dollars in fire prevention grants to fire service organizations around the globe. Locally, the company has awarded grants to a number of North Carolina–based organizations.
“At FM Global, we strongly believe the majority of property damage is preventable, not inevitable,” said Michael Spaziani, assistant vice president/manager of the fire prevention grant program. “Far too often, inadequate budgets prevent those organizations working to prevent fires from being as proactive as they would like to be. With additional financial support, grant recipients are actively helping to improve property risk in the communities they serve.”
Through fire damage restoration experts at Smart Dry Restoration in collaboration with FM Global awards grants to fire departments—as well as national, state, regional, local and community organizations worldwide—that best demonstrate a need for funding, where dollars can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause.
To learn more about FM Global’s Fire Prevention Grant Program and other resources for the fire service, please visit www.fmglobal.com/fireservice.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0066_henderson-fire-station.jpg.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-12-05 16:54:592020-10-12 06:47:49Henderson Fire Department to Bolster Fire Prevention Efforts with FM Global Grant
On Monday afternoon, Chief Steve Cordell and other representatives with the Henderson Fire Department presented the administration and staff of Maria Parham Health with a check for $13,300 to be used for care and resources for cancer patients.
Over a period of three days in October, the fire department held their second annual Breast Cancer Boot Drive to raise money for Maria Parham Oncology Center’s “Angel Fund.”
The “Angel Fund,” according to Hope Breedlove with Maria Parham Oncology, was created to help patients overcome the financial hardships that serve as barriers to cancer treatment and care.
According to Captain Lee Edmonds, the fire department was proud to top last year’s donation amount. “This is our second year doing the boot drive; last year we raised $11,353,” said Edmonds. “We had our pink boots and helmets out on Dabney Drive in front of Henderson Fire Department Station 1 raising money.”
Chief Steve Cordell and other representatives with the Henderson Fire Department present the administration and staff of Maria Parham Health with a check for $13,300 to be used for care and resources for cancer patients. (WIZS Photo)
While the pink boot drive just wrapped up its second year, Edmonds said the idea to raise funds for breast cancer started five years ago with part-time fire department member Ian Arthur.
“Ian came to Chief one day and asked if the department could get pink shirts made for breast cancer awareness, and Chief said yes. He [Ian] had a design made up, and the guys sold the shirts. That’s when we said we had to have something to give the proceeds to and we found the ‘Angel Fund’ at Maria Parham.”
With t-shirt sales only raising $2,500 – $3,000 each year, Edmonds said Chief Cordell had the idea to try a boot drive instead. “We raised so much more money on the boot drive that we felt we should continue,” said Edmonds.
Edmonds said the firefighters are proud to be a part of a fundraiser that allows Vance County citizens to give back to their fellow community members. “We felt that with this money going to Maria Parham Oncology, it would help our own people in the community. In today’s time, everyone is touched by cancer in some way, whether it is family or friends.”
In addition to being a morale booster for the firefighters, Edmonds said the annual boot drive is also a lot of fun. “With 30 members, each shift wants to outdo the other on their daily amount raised. So it’s always fun at the end of the day when all the guys are standing there waiting for the final number to see who guessed the closest.”
The donated funds also mean a lot to Maria Parham. “It’s hard to put into words what this means to us,” said Breedlove. “In our community, we don’t have a lot of resources for patients. It means a lot to have the support of our fire department and we thank them for coming through and making this possible.”
Breedlove also expressed gratitude for all the community support of this drive. “We are very thankful for everyone who came down Dabney Drive those three days and put money in those pink boots. It’s going to stay right here in Vance County and help our patients here at Maria Parham.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/MPH-Breast-Cancer-Fund-2018.png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2018-12-04 16:57:102018-12-04 16:57:10Henderson Fire Department’s Boot Drive Raises $13K+ for Maria Parham Oncology
Captain Lee Edmonds was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the Henderson Fire Department’s annual smoke detector and battery inspection program along with winter heating safety tips.
The annual campaign kicked off at the beginning of this month and is expected to continue through early spring.
Started in 2009 after a Vance County family lost several of their children to a house fire, Edmonds said the door-to-door home inspection program is “a good opportunity to check houses and check smoke detectors to make sure everything is working properly.”
The inspection, which begins anew each November following Fire Prevention Month in October, is free of charge to City of Henderson residents. “We put new batteries in smoke detectors, replace old smoke detectors and install smoke detectors in places that did not previously have them,” said Edmonds.
For the month of November, Edmonds estimated that the department has visited approximately 950 homes and has been successful in inspecting just shy of 200. In a previous interview with WIZS, Edmonds stated that the fire department’s goal is to visit 6,000 homes per annual campaign.
“We aren’t able to get into all of the homes we visit because either people aren’t home or they say they regularly check their batteries and smoke detectors,” said Edmonds. “If they aren’t home, we leave a note on their door asking them to call us so we can come back out.”
In addition to homes, the department inspects downtown businesses annually and most other businesses on a three-year basis.
With the number of fire-related deaths in 2018 topping previous years, the Henderson Fire Department urges residents to check their detectors regularly and to allow fire department personnel inside their home during the annual door-to-door campaign.
Additional Safety Tips Courtesy of Captain Edmonds:
Carbon monoxide detectors like the GasAlert Quattro are inexpensive and should always be used in homes that heat with a fuel source such as propane, kerosene or natural gas.
Leave three feet of clearance around any type of heater – fireplace, electric heater or gas heater.
Unplug electric heater when not in use and always plug directly into wall outlet. Never plug a heater into an extension cord. Extension cords are not rated for a heater and may overheat and cause a fire.
Have heaters and furnaces serviced at least once, preferably twice, a year by a certified technician to ensure everything is in working order and to minimize safety hazards.
During the holidays, make sure real Christmas trees are watered properly. Christmas lights will catch a dry tree on fire very quickly. Inspect light cords on all types of Christmas decorations and plug directly into wall outlet. Christmas lights should always be unplugged when you aren’t at home.
Never attempt to leave the stove open as a means of heating your home.
Families should have at least two escape routes mapped out in their home that everyone knows. An outside meeting place should also be discussed in case members of the family escape the home different ways. Make sure windows can be opened and aren’t painted or nailed shut.
With questions regarding your smoke detector, fire safety or to schedule a time for a free home inspection, please call the Henderson Fire Department at (252) 430-1877.
To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.
With winter weather right around the corner and fall days that have seemed a bit chillier than normal, now is a great time to hire a professionals from Columbus Fire Watch Company to make sure your home is protected against fire dangers and carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell, the number one way to prevent fires during the winter months is to use proper heating techniques. “If you use a space heater, for example, make sure it is UL approved and keep a minimum of 36 inches of clearance around the heater at all times.”
Carbon monoxide poisoning is also a concern, especially when warming the home with kerosene heaters. “Your home must be properly ventilated when heating with kerosene to avoid issues with carbon monoxide,” said Cordell.
Known as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide is highly dangerous due to its odorless, colorless, tasteless and non-irritating nature. Carbon monoxide detectors are available at most home improvement stores and could literally mean the difference between life and death.
To help identify potential issues with heating methods and fire risks, the Henderson Fire Department conducts an annual smoke detector and battery inspection program each year.
Started in 2009 after a Vance County family lost several children to a house fire, Captain Lee Edmonds said the door-to-door home inspection program is “a good opportunity to check houses and smoke detectors to make sure everything is working properly.”
The inspection, which begins anew each November following Fire Prevention Month in October, is free of charge to Henderson residents. “We put new batteries in smoke detectors, replace old smoke detectors and install smoke detectors in places that did not previously have them,” said Edmonds.
The department recommends that every home have at least one working smoke detector per floor. “You want at least one on each floor,” said Cordell. “Ideally, you should have one on each hallway and above each bedroom door.”
For more information on the free smoke detector program or to have your home inspected, please call Captain Edmonds at (252) 430-1877.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Henderson-Fire-Dept.-on-Dabney-Dr..png265504Kelly Bonduranthttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngKelly Bondurant2018-11-13 17:00:442020-02-20 04:47:17Chief Cordell Reminds Public to Stay Vigilant With Winter Fire Safety
