Valdese Fire Department

01/05/2026

12/24/2025

Update to the Update: SANTA IS IN PORT SAINT LUCIA. We expect him to arrive here just before 9:00pm. Tune in to Tac 5 at 8:35pm or the broadcastify app to listen in. Santa should be close after that!

7:47pm: 911 is very busy at the moment but Santa is still in South America. Still time to get this done. When call volume slows Lead Telecommunivstor Carswell will read Twas The Night Before Christmas on TAC 5. We will post a 5 min warning as an update to this post.

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ATTENTION REAPONDERS AND ALL OF YOU OUT THERE IN SCANNER LAND!

Burke County has officially completed a high-level, totally serious conference call with 911 centers across the globe, led by none other than NORAD. The verdict is in: current projections indicate Santa should take off from the North Pole around 0400 hours EST.

Once NORAD gives the green light, Burke County 911 will assume local tracking operations using Burke TAC-5. All sleigh movements, reindeer telemetry, and chimney approach vectors will be closely monitored.

All units are advised:
• Monitor Burke TAC-5 for real-time updates
• If Fire, Law, and EMS channels are clear, updates may be simulcast there as well
• Reindeer have priority traffic
• Chimneys are approved landing zones

As always, Burke County 911 will be willing to eat any left over cookies and milk! Stay alert, stay festive, and remember… if you hear bells on the radio, it’s not interference.

12/11/2025

Thank you Valdese Elementary for having us join in on the Christmas Parade today. Sparky had a great time hanging out with everyone.

12/10/2025

Valdese Fire Department had their annual Christmas party. It was a great time spent with family, friends and Santa. A few of our members were recognized for their dedication and years of service. Steve Kiddy was recognized for his 20 years of service, Nick Reed was recognized for his 25 years of service and Levi Henry was recognized for his 5 years of service. Reed Bowman was presented with the First Responder of the Year award and John Burnett was presented with the Firefighter of the Year award. We are very grateful for all our members and the great job they do everyday.

11/19/2025