MORGANTON, North Carolina (Feb. 28, 2026)βThe Enola Fire Department received a $20,000 donation from the HEN Foundation to equip three engines, one brush truck, and two wildland UTVs with new fire nozzle technology.
The donation included HEN structural and wildland nozzles, along with a full day of hands-on training led by HEN Foundation Executive Director and retired FDNY Lieutenant Ray McCormack. The training focused on advanced hose management, nozzleman techniques for structure fires, and practical wildland applications β a critical investment as Western North Carolina continues to face severe drought conditions.
The Enola Fire Department is a full volunteer agency responding to approximately 300β350 calls annually, including structure fires, technical rescues, wildland incidents, and medical emergencies. With more than 20 certified wildland firefighters, the department serves as an initial attack crew for District 2 in Western North Carolina.
The Enola Fire Department was not only outfitted with new nozzles but also received comprehensive instruction to maximize their effectiveness in both structural and wildland environments.
βAs a county commissioner, I am grateful to see organizations investing directly in the safety of our local firefighters and the communities they protect,β said Burke County Commissioner Brian Barrier. βStrong fire departments are essential to public safety in Burke County, and donations like this provide real, practical support to the men and women who respond when our citizens need help most. I fully support this partnership and appreciate everyone involved in strengthening the Enola Fire Department.β
βFor us, I started here 40 years ago and some of the nozzles on our trucks are from that era,β said Chief Scottie Godfrey. βWithout this donation, we wouldnβt be able to afford these nozzles. We look forward to embracing the technology and being able to provide better fire suppression capabilities to our community.β
βWhat we have seen from the small amounts of training weβve done with the nozzles has been extremely positive,β said Captain Dillon Hudson. βThe feedback from our firefightersβincluding reduced nozzle reaction and improved handlingβhelps from a manpower standpoint. The BLADE patternβs ability to use less water to extinguish fire is critical, especially in a rural area with limited hydrants.β
The HEN Foundation operates on three core pillars: Equipment, Education, and Renewal.
- Through its Equipment program, the Foundation provides NFPA-compliant tools to deserving departments to enhance safety and operational readiness.
- Its Education pillar delivers research-based, hands-on training designed to improve fireground performance, safety, and confidence.
- Renewal supports the long-term sustainability of the fire service and the well-being of firefighters and their families.
By equipping, educating, and renewing the fire service, the HEN Foundation is committed to ensuring that every firefighterβand every family they serveβhas the tools, training, and support necessary to operate safely and effectively on the fireground.
For more information about the HEN Foundation or to contribute, visitΒ hen.foundation.