Western Carteret Fire & EMS Department

08/24/2026

Many thanks to Western Carteret Fire Department for their generous donation of school supplies for our Bulldogs! So grateful!

08/24/2026

✏️🚒✏️🚒✏️🚒✏️🚒✏️🚒

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

Sorry we can not hear you… we were kinda busy… sorting, counting and boxing up supplies to deliver to schools this week! Thanks again to everyone who donated! ✏️✂️🚌

08/23/2026

We are absolutely blown away, amazed, and honestly a little speechless…

✏️ 2,550 COMBINED SCHOOL SUPPLIES WERE DONATED!✏️

Both communities showed up BIG, and thanks to your incredible generosity, we will be able to provide school supplies to MANY local schools, helping ensure that no child starts the school year without the supplies they need. ❤️

And now… the moment you’ve all been waiting for…

🏆 THE WINNERS OF THE SCHOOL SUPPLY BATTLE ARE... WESTERN CARTERET FIRE & EMS + CAPE CARTERET POLICE DEPARTMENT!

Chief Bowden… we hope you’re ready because we cannot WAIT to see you proudly rocking that secret costume tomorrow! 😂👀

Thank you to every family, business, department member, and community member who donated, shared, encouraged, and helped make this drive such an incredible success. YOU ARE AMAZING! Every community should be PROUD of what you have done!

At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter who won the battle…
❤️THE KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITIES WON and THAT is a victory worth celebrating!

Special thanks to Stabby Gabby Piercings, Bound & Brewed and VFW Post 9960 Cedar Point NC for collection donations at your locations!!!!!

08/23/2026

🍋🚒 Shoutout to the young entrepreneurs at Megan’s Bay Lemonade Stand!

This awesome group of kids is putting in the work, running their own lemonade stand—and they decided to hook up our thirsty crew with free lemonade! Thank you for thinking of our firefighters and showing some serious community spirit! 🍋👏

08/22/2026

DROP OFF YOUR FINAL DONATIONS AT WCFD TODAY!! 🚨📚

The race is CLOSE, but there’s still time to help us secure the win! 🏆🔥

Every backpack, notebook, box of crayons, pencil, and supply counts. Help us make one final push and get WCFD across the finish line! 💪🚒

Bring your donations to WCFD TODAY!
Let’s finish strong! 🔥📚

08/21/2026

🚒FRONTLINE FRIDAY: Meet Josh Atchison!

“I’m Josh Atchison, a firefighter/EMT here at Western Carteret Fire. I started as a junior fireman when I was 15.5 years old and have been a part of the growth ever since!!”

Josh got his start in the fire service thanks in large part to Chief Bowden with Pine Knoll Shores, who brought him into the service while he was in high school. Chief Bowden’s family welcomed Josh to the station for dinners, and when he was old enough, he brought him to Western as a Junior.

“He saw the potential in me and was a big part in mapping my career out before letting me venture on my own. I am thankful for him, and wanted to shout him out since it is well deserved.”

Josh earned his EMT while he was a senior in high school and went straight to Wilson’s Fire Academy (Class of 41) after graduating.

What he enjoys most about serving with Western Carteret is being able to witness the department’s growth firsthand.

“From when I started to where I am at now has truly been beautiful to witness and still witnessing the greatness of what the department has been able to provide for me and my peers over these last years. To be a part of that is an amazing feeling.”

But for Josh, it’s the people and relationships that make this job truly meaningful.

“We know this job won’t make us rich, but the people you connect with and build relationships with is more valuable than currency.”

Josh also wanted to give a special shout-out to Roy Carter, Paramedic/Firefighter, who has been like the big brother he never had since Josh started his career at Western in 2019.

“He influenced a lot of my maturity growth in my life along with developmental growth through my career. All while still being a good friend and even cooler big brother!! That’s something that can’t be bought.”

Josh shared one of his favorite quotes from musical artist Mac Miller:

“Keep your eyes to the sky, never glued to your shoes. If your mind ever becomes consumed, the sun will come out and clouds will move.”

“In other words, no matter where you are in life, whether at your lowest or at the best you ever been, continue growing because that’s what life is designed for us to do!!”

And we couldn’t agree more.

08/20/2026

🎀 Western Carteret Fire & EMS is proud to join the fight against breast cancer! 🎀

Throughout October, our crews will wear special Breast Cancer Awareness shirts to show their support and help raise awareness.

A limited number of shirts will be available for purchase beginning October 1. If you would like to reserve a 2026 WCFD Breast Cancer Awareness shirt- sign up here: https://forms.gle/8ticByGkDFzmkTJJ9 . Quantities are limited and expected to sell out quickly!

“Together, we are more than a community—we are an unbreakable force against breast cancer.”

08/19/2026

As local students head back to the classroom, road safety is a top priority for all of us in the community!

A few small adjustments behind the wheel can make a huge difference in keeping our kids safe:

* Patience in School Zones: Slow down and keep an eye out for sudden stops, especially during early morning and afternoon pickup hours.
* Watch the Crosswalks: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way—give children plenty of space to cross safely.
* Give Buses Extra Room: Expect frequent stops and remember to remain stopped until flashing lights are off and the bus starts moving.

Let’s work together to make this school year safe and successful for everyone! 🚍✨