HEN Foundation Donates $20,000 for Equipment and Training to Enola, NC, Fire Department

On Saturday, February 28, the Enola Fire Department received a $20,000 donation from the HEN Foundation to equip three engines, one brush truck, and two wildland UTVs with the newest fire nozzle technology available to the fire service.

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 — a critical investment as Western North Carolina continues to face severe drought conditions.

Enola Fire Department is a full volunteer agency responding to approximately 300–350 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.

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.

“As a county commissioner, I am grateful to see organizations investing directly in the safety of our local firefighters and the communities they protect,” said Burke County Commissioner Brian Barrier. “Strong 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.”

“For us, I started here 40 years ago and some of the nozzles on our trucks are from that era,” said Scottie Godfrey, Chief of Enola Fire Department. “Without this donation, we wouldn’t 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.”

“What we have seen from the small amounts of training we’ve done with the nozzles has been extremely positive,” said Dillon Hudson, Captain at Enola Fire Department. “The feedback from our firefighters — including reduced nozzle reaction and improved handling — helps from a manpower standpoint. The BLADE pattern’s ability to use less water to extinguish fire is critical, especially in a rural area with limited hydrants.”

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 firefighter — and every family they serve — has the tools, training, and support necessary to operate safely and effectively on the fireground.

For more information about the HEN Foundation or to contribute, visit hen.foundation.