
Gaston Fire & Rescue cadets earned second place overall at the Alamance County Junior Firefighter Competition in Haw River on Saturday, August 8.
The competition tested the skills cadets practice throughout the year. Events included Quick Dress, knot tying, a relay race, forcible entry, hose advancement, water polo, and the Rapid Response Challenge.
Two Gaston cadets also received individual honors. Darren McGee won first place in Quick Dress, and Kylar McLean was named the competition's Most Valuable Player.
The cadets represented Gaston Fire & Rescue through a full day of hands-on events that required speed, teamwork, and attention to detail. Their second-place finish reflected the time they have spent training together and learning the skills used in the fire service.
Gaston Fire & Rescue congratulates every cadet who competed and thanks the instructors, families, and supporters who help make these opportunities possible.
The Gaston Fire & Rescue Cadet Program is open to young people ages 14 through 17. Members receive training and firefighting gear at no cost while learning about fire, rescue, and first response in their community.



A child who attended Kids Fire Camp around 2022 recently relied on that training to help his sister when she began to lose consciousness.

Gaston Fire & Rescue's Kids Fire Camp marked its 10th year in 2026, and Congressman Don Davis sent a letter honoring the department and its graduates. District Director Kimberly Mack presented it to Chief Ed Porter Jr. at Saturday's graduation.