Captain Eric D. Lacewell Of Wilmington IAFF Local 129 Passes
Wilmington Fire Figther Captain and IAFF Wilmimgton Local 129 member Eric Lacewell passed away Nov. 4, 2014, from complications of an injury he received on duty three years ago.
Capt. Lacewell was a Brother, friend, father and husband. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. Capt. Lacewell fought a long, hard battle with his injury taht paralyzed him from the neck down, but he never lost his smile and never lost his faith.
Wilmington Local 129 said this on their Facebook page:
“We are not saying good bye for Capt. Lacewell will always be in out hearts, thoughts, and souls. He was the true meaning of what brotherhood is about. You will be missed but never forgotten!!!!!!!”
Capt. Lacewell was laid to rest on Monday, November 10, 2014.
Expressions of sympathy or condolences for the family or the local can be sent to IAFF Local 129, P.O. Box 15185, Wilmington, NC 28408-5184.
Guilty Plea Accepted In Death Of Local 673 President
This past February, IAFF members in North Carolina were shocked when they heard the news that a hit and run incident had killed Todd Martinez, President of IAFF Local 673. 
This past Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, a guilty plea was entered by Andrew Barham of Reidsville who struck Todd on his bicycle. Judge Joseph Craig ordered that Andrew Barham serve four months behind bars followed by 48 months of probation.
Todd and his wife Melanie Harless were riding their Bicycles when Todd was hit not far from the Martinez’s home. Todd is survived by Melanie and two boys, ages 12 and 14.
Our prayers and thoughts will continue to be with Melanie and the other members of Todd’s family.
Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association Donates Much Needed Food To Salisbury’s Homeless
The members of the Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association are helping to make it possible for Rowan Helping Ministries to provide meals for citizens in need. 
On Friday, Aug. 8, members of Salisbury Local 2370 delivered supplies to Rowan Helping Ministries. Fire fighters unloaded several truck-loads of canned goods to help restock the ministries’ food pantry.
“The fire fighters are always here to serve us during emergencies, but the fire fighters in this community are stepping up and serving beyond their call of duty,” says Rowan Helping Ministries Executive Director Mrs. Kyna Grubb.
The Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association has adopted this worthy organization in the city after reading about the need for more food at the shelter.
“We read about the needs of the ministry in the Salisbury Post and immediately knew we needed to serve those in need,” says Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association President Chris Haynes.
The Fire Fighters Association is challenging everyone in the city to step up and do whatever you can to fill this need.
“We are in need of all food, but especially canned and dried beans, canned corn and vegetables, and canned meats,” says Mrs. Grubb.
A small group of men and women cannot answer this need alone, we have to work together.
“The success of this community is solely based on what we as a community step up and do today and the fire fighters want to be a part of making a difference!” says Haynes.
About SPFFA: The Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters Association represents over 30 local firefighters, both active and retired, in their efforts to take a pro-active approach to fire safety and community services throughout our area. Through the generosity and support of the community and hard work of its members, SPFF is able to give back to the community through local projects. Like us on Facebook (Salisbury Professional Fire Fighters)!
About Rowan Helping Ministries – Rowan Helping Ministries is a continuation of Rowan Cooperative Christian Ministry, a ministry begun in 1967 by several of Salisbury’s downtown churches. Their programs include: the Overnight Shelter, Soup Kitchen, Clothing Center, Food Pantry, Crisis Assistance Network, Transitional Housing Programs, Rowan Helping Ministries-West, and New Tomorrows. We have a full-time staff of nineteen and a part-time staff of twelve. We rely on 45-50 volunteers daily, and without them, Rowan Helping Ministries wouldn’t be possible. Rowan Helping Ministries is located at 226 N. Long St. in Salisbury, NC. Like us on Facebook (Rowan Helping Ministries)!