Gooches Fire-Rescue

10/09/2026

Get your rest brother we got it from here

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.

08/18/2026

🚒❤️ Happy National Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Day! ❤️🚒

Today, we honor the brave men and women who volunteer their time, training, and courage to protect their neighbors and communities.

Volunteer firefighters answer the call—often at a moment’s notice, day or night—putting others first when help is needed most.

To every volunteer firefighter - thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication. Your community is stronger because of you.

08/16/2026

In Memoriam: August 16, 2011 - LODD
Chief Dennis Cauthen, 54
Elgin Fire Department. Lancaster, SC
Chief Cauthen and the members of his fire department responded to a fire in a structure at approximately 0300hrs on August 16, 2011. Chief Cauthen drove an engine to the scene and operated the pump at the fire scene. While at the fire scene, Chief Cauthen complained of heartburn-like symptoms. While returning to quarters, firefighters stopped to get him something to drink in hopes of relieving his heartburn. When firefighters arrived back at the fire station, Chief Cauthen's condition worsened. He was transported to the hospital but later died. The cause of his death was a heart attack.

07/02/2026

More Information regarding this mornings Aircraft Incident.

𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄
𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝑰𝑴𝑴𝑬𝑫𝑰𝑨𝑻𝑬 𝑹𝑬𝑳𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑬

Lancaster, South Carolina July 2, 2026

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡

Lancaster County authorities responded to a plane crash just west of the City of Lancaster early Thursday morning, July 2, 2026. The crash was reported just before 1:00 a. m. The crash site is a heavily wooded area off Brooklyn Avenue near its intersection with Springdale Road behind Zero Waste Recycling at 511 Brooklyn Avenue. The plane crashed through trees before coming to rest on a hillside and catching fire.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster County Fire Rescue, and Lancaster County Emergency Medical Services responded. There were two male occupants of the plane, both of whom are believed to be pilots. They were found near the wreckage and were both responsive. They suffered serious burns and were both airlifted to medical facilities for treatment. Their current conditions are unknown.

The plane is a twin-engine Beechcraft owned by Pressley Aviation in North Carolina. Its destination is unknown, but the pilot reported engine failure shortly before the crash. Efforts to divert the plane for a safe landing were apparently unsuccessful, and the plane went down.

Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are on the way to the crash site to begin their investigations. Local authorities have secured the site and will assist the federal authorities as requested.

“Our thoughts are with the two men in the plane, and we pray for their recovery from their injuries,” said Sheriff Barry Faile. “We are maintaining the security of the crash site and will help the federal investigators any way we can.”

Anyone with information about this or any other case should call the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388 and select Option 4 or submit a tip in one of the following ways: use the link www.p3tips.com/983 or download the P3Tips mobile app available for both Apple and Android devices. Crime tips may be made anonymously.

07/02/2026

At approximately 1:00 a.m., Gooches Fire Department, alongside McDonald Green Fire Department, Lancaster County Fire Rescue, Lancaster City Fire Department, Lancaster County EMS, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a reported aircraft incident in the area of Brooklyn Avenue near Springdale Road.

Firefighters arrived to find a small aircraft that had crashed in a wooded area off Brooklyn Avenue. Crews quickly located two occupants, both of whom were conscious when found. Personnel extricated the patients from the wooded terrain and immediately began providing medical care for severe burn injuries before transferring their care to Lancaster County EMS. Both patients were airlifted to regional medical facilities for further treatment. Their current conditions are unknown.

Following the rescue operation, firefighters extinguished the remaining fire and secured the scene.

Incidents like this require a coordinated response from multiple agencies, and we are grateful for the teamwork and professionalism demonstrated by everyone involved. Our thoughts are with the two individuals injured in the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash. Lancaster County agencies will continue to assist with the investigation as requested.

06/06/2026

The fire service is more than responding to emergencies—it’s about the relationships built along the way.

Our members and their families gathered for a cookout filled with great food, friendly competition, and even better company.

Volunteer fire departments are built on hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, but they’re also built on fellowship, camaraderie, and the families who support us every step of the way. The bonds formed here go far beyond the firehouse doors. We are a team, a brotherhood and sisterhood, and most importantly, a family.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make today a great time. Days like these remind us that while we proudly serve our community together, we also enjoy spending time together.

03/14/2026

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03/14/2026

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02/02/2026

🔥WORKING STRUCTURE FIRE🔥

Last night our crews responded to a residential structure fire. We’re grateful for the assistance from Elgin, Gooches and Lancaster County Fire Rescue.
We appreciate the teamwork, dedication, and brotherhood shown by all departments — and as always, we’re thankful for our community’s continued support.

Strong reminder for everyone:
🔥• Check your smoke detectors — test them monthly and replace batteries as needed
🔥• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn
🔥• Never leave space heaters running unattended
🔥• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets — no extension cords