Orange County Emergency Services - NC

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders on his outstanding achievement of graduating from the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program, Class ELP 2501 on Thursday, June 4, 2026. This transformative year-long experience has significantly expanded his knowledge and provided him with the opportunity to learn alongside an exceptional group of leaders from across the country.

This experience has also enabled Director Saunders to share his newly acquired knowledge and enhanced skill set with his team back home, who are also benefiting from his experience.

Director Saunders was the recipient of the prestigious Ellen M. Gordon Award, a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his commitment to excellence. The award is connected to a question Ellen Gordon was known for asking: “So what? Why do we need to know this?” Director Saunders embodies this philosophy, constantly challenging himself and his team to think critically and strive for excellence. This award is a testament to his leadership philosophy that people drive results.

Director Saunders is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that leadership is not just about accomplishing tasks, but about understanding the purpose and impact of our work.

While he was humbled to receive such recognitions, his cheering squad back home wanted to shout this amazing accomplishment from the roof top!!

05/20/2026

As we celebrated EMS Week, we hosted the Regional Trauma Advisory Committee and recognized the exceptional achievements of Paramedic Kris Thompson and EMT Odell Terrell, who received the Great Save Award for their outstanding patient care in a complex MVC response. The patient, who suffered severe injuries and was submerged in a creek, is now in active recovery and joined us to celebrate. We also acknowledged the critical role of Orange Grove and Orange Rural Fire Departments, who collaborated to safely extricate the patient. The patient's presence made the celebration a truly inspiring tribute to the dedication and expertise of our emergency responders.

05/19/2026

We're kicking off EMS week with a bang as our leaders take the helm of ambulance washing duties. On Monday, our Medic 6 crew collaborated with WRAL to share a vital heat safety reminder, showcasing our dedication to public education and safety.
Our training officer showed remarkable courage as a simulated patient, helping us demonstrate a lifesaving procedure for heat stroke using cool hydrant water. Throughout the day, our team continued to respond to emergencies with compassion and expertise, and we celebrated their hard work with tokens of appreciation. A heartfelt thank you to all EMS teams who provide exceptional care every day, inspiring positive change and saving lives.

05/18/2026

Happy National EMS Week! We proudly recognize and celebrate the EMS professionals and first responders who serve our community with compassion, skill, and dedication every day.

This year’s theme, “Improving Outcomes, Together,” reflects the teamwork that defines emergency medical services. From telecommunicators answering the first call for help, to EMTs and paramedics delivering lifesaving care in the field, to our fire, law enforcement, hospital, and public safety partners, every response is built on collaboration.

The work is demanding. The hours are long. The situations are often difficult. Yet, day after day, these professionals continue to answer the call with unwavering commitment to the people they serve.

To our own EMS providers and first responders throughout Orange County and beyond, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and dedication to improving outcomes for our communities together.

05/09/2026

We are slightly delayed in making this announcement, but we are thrilled to congratulate Paramedic Elizabeth Gonka on passing her medical boards under the guidance of our Chief Medical Officer.
Elizabeth is now practicing as an independent paramedic within the Orange County System. Successfully navigating the field training evaluation program requires a collaborative effort, and we extend our sincerest appreciation to Elizabeth's training team.

05/04/2026

The OC Fire Marshal has lifted the local burn. This is aligned with the statewide ban that was lifted in 81 counties, including Orange County, yesterday.

Due to drought conditions, extreme caution is still urged with any outdoor burning. 🔥

Burn Ban Lifted: The statewide burn ban has been lifted for Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough as of May 4 at 12:00 pm.
Even with the ban lifted, residents should stay alert to current weather conditions. Burning should be avoided during dry or windy conditions and on high fire danger days identified by the N.C. Forest Service.
If you choose to burn, it must be attended at all times and limited to natural vegetation only. Burning trash or construction debris is not allowed.
Use caution and make safety the priority.
Press release: https://www.orangecountync.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/1397

05/04/2026

Today, on International Firefighters’ Day, we pause to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of firefighters everywhere.

We are proud to stand alongside these professionals who answer the call without hesitation, running toward danger to protect lives, property, and our community. Whether career or volunteer, your service does not go unnoticed.

Thank you for the long hours, the missed holidays, the quiet acts of bravery, and the strength you show on and off the scene.

We are grateful. We are proud. Stay safe!

04/27/2026

UPDATED 5/4/26: The local ban has been lifted.

Previous Message: The statewide burn ban remains in effect. Orange County’s ban, applicable in unincorporated areas and the Town of Hillsborough, NC, also remains in place.

The statewide burn ban remains in effect until further notice despite weekend rain in some areas. Persistent dry weather and increasing rainfall deficits from the last several months have left most of the state needing 10 inches of rain or more.

“While the rainfall we received over the weekend was a welcome sight, it offered little to no relief from widespread drought conditions while being nowhere near enough to reduce our wildfire risk,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Even the areas that received the heaviest amount of rain will quickly dry out from the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Until we get some additional rain and see more green-up in our forests, holding the burn ban in place statewide is the best option right now.”

While green-up and leaf-out are progressing at normal rate, low soil moisture, dry surface fuels and persistent low humidity are contributing to wildfire activity. For Western North Carolina, excessive forest fuels from Hurricane Helene are more available now than they were in 2025, low water levels in coastal areas have helped produce intense fire behavior where ground fire will likely be a long-term issue, and the Piedmont experienced 87 new wildfire starts over the weekend alone. Extended attack and mop-up efforts will be taxing and long-winded until drought conditions improve.

Read news release: https://bit.ly/497dNht

04/20/2026

We couldn’t be more proud of our very own Shelly Higgins! 💟

In Orange County, we are proud to celebrate the people and teams whose innovation, dedication, and compassion make a meaningful difference in our community every day. Shelly Higgins exemplifies this spirit.

Selected by her peers as the 2025 Emergency Services Employee of the Year, Shelly has been a cornerstone of our Emergency Services team since 2012. Her commitment is unmatched—demonstrated by an extraordinary attendance record and a consistent willingness to go above and beyond in service to others.

Shelly’s impact extends far beyond her daily responsibilities. As a trusted preceptor, she plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of EMTs, ensuring they are not only clinically prepared but confident and supported. She actively seeks out new knowledge—even on her own time—and brings those insights back to strengthen the entire team.

Her leadership also fosters connection and morale. From organizing off-shift gatherings to leading team-building efforts, Shelly helps create a culture where people feel valued and supported. She routinely volunteers for new hire assessment centers, takes on alternate assignments, and steps in for extra shifts—always putting the needs of the team and community first.

Shelly’s innovative spirit is evident in her volunteer work with Animal Services, where she connects adoptable dogs with Fire-EMS stations—an initiative that benefits both first responders and animals in need.

Above all, Shelly is an exceptional EMS provider whose compassion sets her apart. She has a remarkable ability to build trust with patients from all walks of life, embracing a truly patient-centered approach. Her work is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest impact comes from simply making a human connection.

Shelly Higgins represents the very best of Orange County—where dedication meets innovation, and service transforms lives.

04/19/2026

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen… the final curtain is drawing near 🎪✨

And just like that, the circus festivities come to an end—but don’t be fooled… the show still goes on.

Under the bright lights of NPSTW, we came, we conquered, and we performed like the true stars of the greatest show behind the scenes. From soaring high on the trapeze to balancing it all on the tightrope, each and every one of you brought skill, laughter, and heart to the center ring.

As the tents come down and the spotlight fades, we take with us the memories, the teamwork, and the magic that made this week unforgettable. The circus may be leaving town, but the dedication, resilience, and excellence of our telecommunicators never take a final bow.

A huge THANK YOU to all who participated, supported, and made this show spectacular. You are the real performers, the true ringmasters, and the heartbeat of it all.

Until next year… the curtain may close, but the legacy continues 🎭💫