Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department Inc.

💔 Our Thoughts Are With Our Brothers and Sisters at Holly Ridge Fire & Rescue

The members of Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow firefighters mourning the loss of Firefighter J.D. Horner.

J.D. honorably served his community through his dedication to the fire service with Holly Ridge Fire & Rescue, Turkey Creek Fire VFD, and Sneads Ferry stations. His commitment to helping others and answering the call to serve will not be forgotten.

Please keep his loved ones and the members of these departments in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, brother. Your watch is complete. 🚒🖤

Serving with Pride, Protecting with a Purpose ~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department

🇺🇸 Juneteenth – A Day of Reflection, Freedom, and Unity 🇺🇸

Today, the Half Moon VFD joins communities across our nation in recognizing Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and hope.

Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of unity, equality, and service to one another. As firefighters, we are proud to serve a diverse community and remain committed to protecting every citizen with dignity, respect, and compassion.

As we reflect on our nation’s history, we also look toward a future built on understanding, opportunity, and a shared commitment to strengthening our communities together.

From our family to yours, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Juneteenth.

Serving with pride, protecting with a purpose ~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department

🔥🚨 Increased Risk of Wildfire Due to High to Elevated Fire Danger for Thursday, June 18, 2026 🚨🔥

The National Weather Service has issued fire danger statements for central and eastern North Carolina.

Please Avoid burning, and be cautious with anything that could cause a spark.

If you need more guidance or have questions, contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger's office.

From our firehouse family to yours; please stay alert and take these warnings seriously, everyone be safe!

Serving with Pride, Protecting with a Purpose ~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department

Increased Risk of Wildfire Due to Elevated Fire Danger -- Thursday, June 18, 2026

The National Weather Service has issued fire danger statements for central and eastern North Carolina. What does increased fire danger mean for you today?

🎯 Fires can start from the smallest spark.
🎯 Dry conditions and wind increase fire spread.
🎯 Everyday activities carry more risk right now.

Avoid burning, and be cautious with anything that could cause a spark. Properly dispose of smoking materials such as ci******es. Be extremely careful with machinery and farm equipment when working outdoors.

Contact your N.C. Forest Service county ranger's office for guidance.
ncforestservice.gov/contacts

Spread prevention, not wildfire.

In recognition of National Safety month:

🌊 Water & Boating Safety Week 🚤

As temperatures rise and more families head to the water, the Half Moon VFD would like to remind everyone that safety should always be your first priority.

Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, on the river, at the lake, or enjoying a day of boating…. Here are a few simple precautions that can make all the difference:

✅ Always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
✅ Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
✅ Check the weather forecast before heading out.
✅ Keep a close eye on children, drowning can happen quickly and silently.
✅ Make sure someone knows your plans and expected return time.
✅ Carry essential safety equipment, including a whistle, throwable flotation device, and communication device.
✅ Learn basic CPR and water rescue awareness.

🌊 Did You Know? Many drowning incidents occur just a short distance from safety and often involve individuals who are not wearing a life jacket.

🛡️This National Safety Month, let’s work together to keep our waterways safe for everyone. A few moments of preparation can help ensure a day of fun doesn’t turn into an emergency.

Stay safe, stay alert, and enjoy the water responsibly!

Serving with Pride, Protecting with a Purpose ~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department

🌛Half Moon VFD – Week in review 📆

Another strong and productive week serving our community, sharpening our skills, maintaining our equipment, and sharing important safety information. Here’s a quick look at what’s been happening around the station this week:

🔥 Fire Service Fun Fact:
Did you know that volunteer firefighters nationwide collectively donate millions of hours of service each year? The value of volunteer fire service is estimated in the billions of dollars annually, helping communities maintain emergency response capabilities while keeping costs lower for taxpayers.

🏠 Knowledge Drop - Close Before You Doze
One of the simplest fire prevention measures is closing bedroom doors before going to sleep. A closed door can slow the spread of heat, smoke, and toxic gases during a fire, potentially providing valuable extra minutes for escape and survival. Pair this habit with working smoke alarms for the best protection.

A few minutes of prevention today can help prevent a devastating fire tomorrow.

🚒Training Update:
This week’s training focused on Truck Company Operations and the application of Search & Rescue tactics. Members reviewed search techniques, victim location strategies, and crew coordination through knowledge and familiarization training before moving into practical scenarios. Firefighters then applied these skills in both residential and commercial environments, sharpening their ability to locate and remove victims efficiently and safely under realistic conditions.

Additionally, we completed a thorough inspection and operational check on Service/Rescue truck 511, ensuring the apparatus and equipment remain ready to respond when our community needs us most.

Staying prepared means we’re ready when you need us most.

🌤️Weather Outlook:
Summer heat is making itself known across the Jacksonville area this week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and low-to-mid 90s. Thursday appears to be the hottest day of the week, and there’s a chance of thunderstorms heading into Friday. Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks if working outdoors, and keep an eye on changing weather conditions, especially during afternoon activities.

We want to thank you for your continued love and support. Your trust, encouragement, and generosity make it possible for us to serve our community the way we do.❤️

Serving with Pride, Protecting with a Purpose ~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department

May 2026 Call Summary~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department

📆 During the month of May 2026, our volunteers responded to 35 calls for service.

In-District Calls (25):
• 1 Structure Fires
• 0 Outside Fires
• 0 VehicleFires
• 1 Cooking/appliance Fires
• 8 Motor Vehicle Collisions
• 5 False Alarms / False Calls
• 5 Hazardous/Public Service Calls
• 3 Medical/Other Responses
• 2 No emergency

Out-of-District Calls:
• 10 Mutual / Automatic Aid responses

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for their continued service, dedication, and sacrifice they give to protect our community, often leaving their families at a moment’s notice. We also thank the residents of Half Moon for your continued trust, support, and encouragement. Your support truly makes what we do possible. ❤️👨‍🚒

Serving with Pride, Protecting with a Purpose ~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department

🌛Half Moon VFD – Week in review 📆

Another strong and productive week serving our community, sharpening our skills, maintaining our equipment, and sharing important safety information. Here’s a quick look at what’s been happening around the station this week…

🔥 Fire Service Fun Fact:
Did you know that the modern fire hydrant’s exact inventor is unknown? The patent records were reportedly destroyed in a fire at the U.S. Patent Office in 1836. Ironically, one of the most important tools firefighters use today has an origin story that was literally lost to a fire!

🏠 Knowledge Drop - Fire Prevention Starts with Electrical Safety:
One of the leading causes of residential fires is electrical malfunction. Help keep your family safe by:
✅ Avoiding overloaded outlets and power strips
✅ Replacing damaged or frayed cords
✅ Having electrical work completed by qualified professionals
✅ Testing smoke alarms monthly

A few minutes of prevention today can help prevent a devastating fire tomorrow.

🪜 Training Update:
This week’s training focused on ground ladder awareness, applications, care, and maintenance. Members reviewed ladder types, proper placement techniques, safety considerations, and inspection procedures to ensure our equipment remains ready when needed. These knowledge and familiarization drills while reinforcing the fundamentals that help us operate safely and efficiently on the fire ground.

We also completed a thorough inspection and operational check of on Tanker Truck 507, Brush Truck 510, and Squad 514, ensuring the apparatus and equipment remain ready to respond when our community needs us most.

Staying prepared means we’re ready when you need us most.

🌦️Weather Outlook:
The Jacksonville area is expected to see a hot and humid stretch this week, with temperatures climbing into the mid-to-upper 90s by Thursday and Friday. Thunderstorm chances increase heading into the weekend, with scattered storms possible Saturday and Sunday. Remember to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat, and have a plan for severe weather if storms develop.

We want to thank you for your continued love and support. Your trust, encouragement, and generosity make it possible for us to serve our community the way we do.❤️

Serving with Pride, Protecting with a Purpose ~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department

🌟 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Today we’re proud to shine the spotlight on Firefighter Tim Wisen for his dedication and service with the Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department and also welcome him back home!👨‍🚒🔥

Tim has been a member of the Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department for 1 year and 9 months (Sep 2024) and has also faithfully served our nation in the United States Marine Corps for the past 6.5 years. After completing a year long overseas deployment, we're excited to have him back home and back with his HMVFD family!🇺🇸

When asked what he enjoys most about serving, Tim shared that he values the opportunity to make a difference in someone's worst day and be a person people can turn to when they need help the most. That servant's heart is exactly what makes him such a valuable member of our department. ❤️

Outside of the station, When Tim is off duty, you can usually find him lifting weights, playing rugby, or enjoying time with his family. 💪🏉🧑‍🧑‍🧒

His favorite tools on the fireground? The versatile Halligan bar, a firefighter's best friend when it comes to forcible entry and rescue operations. 🛠️

Fun Fact: 🔹Tim serves as a Special Olympics powerlifting coach, helping athletes achieve their goals and build confidence through strength training.

Please join us in thanking Tim for his service to both our community and our country, and help us give him a warm Half Moon welcome home!🇺🇸

Welcome home Tim, and thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and service!👏👨‍🚒

Serving with Pride, Protecting with a Purpose ~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department

🚒🛡️National Safety Month!🛡️🚒
As we kick off National Safety Month, the members of Half Moon VFD encourage everyone to take a few moments to think about the simple steps that can make a big difference in keeping your family safe.

Throughout June, we'll be sharing safety tips and reminders covering topics such as:
✅ Fire prevention
✅ Severe weather preparedness
✅ Water and boating safety
✅ Child passenger safety
✅ Home emergency planning
✅ Summer heat awareness

Safety starts at home, and being prepared today can help prevent emergencies tomorrow. Take this opportunity to check your smoke alarms, review your family's emergency plan, and make sure your emergency supplies are ready for hurricane season.

Together, we can build a safer and stronger community.

Everyone please have a safe month!❤️

Serving with Pride, Protecting with a Purpose ~ Half Moon Volunteer Fire Department