Local News

FTCC expands Fire Rescue Training complex

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Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Written by Vincent Lewis

If you've ever considered a career on the front lines of public safety, now is the time — and Fayetteville Technical Community College is ready to train you.
On January 7, 2026, FTCC officially opened Phase II of the J. Larry Keen Regional Fire Rescue Training Facility, marking a landmark moment in emergency response education in North Carolina. The expansion transforms an already impressive complex into one of the most comprehensive fire and rescue training environments in the region and arrives just as demand for qualified firefighters and emergency responders is surging across the country.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 27,100 firefighter job openings are projected each year through 2034, driven not just by growth but by the ongoing need to replace retiring professionals. Fire inspectors and investigators face an even brighter outlook, with employment projected to grow 6 percent, faster than the average for all occupations and generating roughly 1,800 openings annually.
The national median annual wage for firefighters stands at $59,530, while fire inspectors earn a median of $75,480 per year. For those ready to answer the call, the opportunity is real, and it starts with the right training.
Phase II introduces several training features designed to mirror the situations responders face every day. Two new live-fire burn buildings — a one-story single-family residence and a two-story apartment structure — were intentionally modeled after the types of properties most commonly found in communities. These structures complement the existing three-story multi-use burn building, giving trainees of all experience levels a diverse, realistic landscape to sharpen their skills in fire suppression, search and rescue, ventilation, firefighter rescue, and incident command management.
Training in lifelike conditions isn't just about realism; it's about survival. Quick, informed decision-making under pressure is what separates good responders from great ones, and FTCC's expanded facility is engineered to build exactly that instinct.
Adjacent to the apartment burn building, a flashover simulator puts trainees face-to-face with one of firefighting's most lethal phenomena. Flashover, the near-simultaneous ignition of an entire room, can occur in seconds and is responsible for a significant number of firefighter fatalities each year. In this controlled environment, students safely observe how fires develop and escalate, learning to recognize the critical warning signs before conditions become deadly.
The expansion goes beyond structural firefighting to prepare responders for some of the most complex emergencies imaginable:
• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Simulator — A liquid propane gas-fed prop designed to resemble an aircraft, providing hands-on practice in managing aviation-related fires that demand unique tactics and rapid response.
• Flammable Liquids Fire Training Prop — A 900-square-foot LP gas-fueled concrete training pad where firefighters practice extinguishing fires caused by gasoline or industrial chemical spills and hazards that present distinct and dangerous challenges.
• Fire Investigation Pods — Three dedicated spaces where trainees learn to determine the origin and cause of fires, conducted in partnership with the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal. This collaboration bridges classroom learning with real-world investigative practice, covering fire behavior, evidence collection, and investigative procedures.
Supporting infrastructure added in Phase II, including a warehouse for equipment storage, an open-air shelter, and on-site restroom facilities, ensures the facility can host a wide range of programs comfortably and efficiently. The complex serves not only local departments but agencies from across the region and other states, making it a critical hub for professional development at every level.
The completion of Phase II is more than a construction milestone. It's an investment in the future of public safety and the careers of those who dedicate their lives to it. With a growing job market and competitive salaries, fire and rescue offers a career path that is both financially rewarding and profoundly meaningful.
For more information on enrolling in FTCC's Fire Protection Technology Program or to learn how your fire and rescue department can utilize this world-class facility, visit ftcc.edu/fire-protection-technology, contact Vincent Lewis, director of fire, rescue, and swift water training at Fayetteville Technical Community College by email at lewisv@faytechcc.edu or by phone at 910-486-7472. The facility is located at 775 Tom Starling Rd.

(Photo courtesy of FTCC Fire, Rescue and Swift Water's Facebook page)

Health & Wellness: Back at It: Physical therapy helps patients regain strength through perseverance

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Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Written by Lia Tremblay

Surgery to repair an orthopedic injury can be complicated and delicate. It takes a skilled surgeon to get the job done right.
But after surgery, the key to a full recovery is usually in the hands of the patient. Working diligently through a consistent routine of physical therapy is essential to rebuilding strength and range of motion. And there are no shortcuts.
“Patients who aren’t keeping up with their PT can experience things like stiffness, lack of mobility or muscle weakness,” said Courtney Kinney, a physical therapy assistant at Fayetteville Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. “They start to see pretty quickly that they aren’t getting as far as they’d like to be.”
Kinney sees a variety of cases, from older patients recovering from hip replacement to high school athletes with sports injuries. Most require several weeks or months of therapy, and some need lots of encouragement when the road seems very long.
“Usually, I’ll ask the patient what they’re trying to get back to doing,” she said. “Maybe she likes to garden, so she’ll need to be on her knees a lot. I can explain how doing the lunges she’s working on will help her get there.”
For one of Kinney’s patients, Cameron Seagroves, the goal was pretty clear: He wanted to get back to baseball. Seagroves plays for Methodist University, but last year he was sidelined by a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a painful knee injury. Christopher J. Barnes, MD, performed the surgery to repair it.
“And then three days after surgery, I started physical therapy,” he said. “It was about seven months of consistent PT, twice a week.”
That’s at least a couple of months earlier than he thought he might be released from PT. Seagroves said his own strong will had a lot to do with his speedy success, but he also gives credit to the staff at Fayetteville Orthopedics & Sports Medicine for personalizing his routine to his level of ability and fitness.
“Sometimes I would come in and say, ‘Hey, I saw this move on Instagram,’ or ‘Maybe we could try this,’” he said. “And we’d work together and build a program that was great for me. Honestly, what they did with me in PT are probably some of the most athletic movements I’ve had to do.”
Phillip Torres is no stranger to physical exertion either. An avid weightlifter, he has always loved the gym and enjoyed challenging workouts. After tearing his rotator cuff in a mishap at his manufacturing job, he knew he would need surgery. Daniel E. McBrayer, MD, performed a reverse shoulder replacement procedure to start Torres’ recovery.
“My first PT appointment was four days later,” he said. “That first day was excruciating, but I knew it would get easier.”
Torres knew from previous injuries that it was important not only to faithfully attend his PT appointments, but also to keep up with his assigned exercises between visits.
“I was going to therapy and then doing the routine again on my own at home that same day,” he said. “A lot of people don’t do the homework, and then they don’t have the results they want.”
Torres said there were definitely times when he felt uncertain about his progress.
“I was scared to re-injure myself,” he said, “but every time I would come back, I’d have a little more progress than the last time.”
A little over four months after his first appointment, Torres was doing pull-ups unassisted. He was glad to be graduating from PT, but sad to say goodbye to his physical therapist, Kaitie[AC1.1] Bogue, whom he’d grown to consider a friend.
“She was the catalyst for my success,” he said. “From the first appointment, she knew what I meant when I said, ‘I want to be back where I was before the injury. I’m not going to settle for less.’”
Whether the patient is a gym fanatic or an octogenarian, Kinney said, she aims to meet them where they are and encourage them toward their own personal goals.
“It’s important that they understand what we’re doing, and that it’s in their best interest,” she said. “It can be really hard in the beginning, but if you just trust the process, it really does get easier.”
The best part for her is seeing a patient long after their last session, doing exactly what they wanted to do.
“Sometimes they’ll stop in to say hi,” she said, “or I’ll give them a call and see how they’re doing. And it’s really cool to see that it all worked.”
Orthopedic patients in Harnett and Hoke Counties now have access to new robotic technologies for joint replacements, as Cape Fear Valley Health rolls out the Mako SmartRobotics system for hip and knee surgery , the ROSA Knee System for knee replacement procedures and the CORI Surgical System knee and hip replacements.
“The technology allows the surgeons to use robotic systems to enhance precision, accuracy, and customization during complex joint replacement surgeries,” says Colby Warren, Director of Physician Practices for Cape Fear Valley Medical Group. “The robots do not act alone, they act as a tool directed by the surgeon to perform precise cuts and implant placement. The surgeons have gone through hours of training to be able to use these systems.”
For patients, using a robotic system can provide better outcomes and longevity on the implant. Some patients have often experienced less post-op pain compared to the conventional procedure.

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Valley Health)

PWC annual water report available; City recommends 2027 Budget; Youth perform tribute to local heroes

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Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Written by Staff Report

2025 Water quality report is now available
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission has published its 2025 Water Quality Report. While the Water Quality Report is a requirement of the state, the results of water sampling verify PWC’s commitment to water quality going beyond compliance.
One of PWC’s primary goals is to continue providing customers with a safe, reliable, and affordable supply of drinking water. PWC is an award-winning utility, recognized nationally for water quality. PWC was the first utility in North Carolina to earn the Partnership for Safe Water Director’s Award for water treatment.
PWC has received this prestigious recognition for 25 consecutive years. PWC has also been recognized with the 2024 Gold Award for Exceptional Utility Performance by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies. In 2025, PWC was recognized with two of NC One Water Awards highest distinctions for service: Water Distribution System of the Year – Overall Winner and the Wastewater Collections System of the Year – Large System Award.
The Annual Water Quality Report is a snapshot of last year’s overall water quality. Included are details about our sources of water, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. Customers with questions about this report or your water can contact Customer Service at 910-483-1382.
In 2025, PWC treated over 10.5 billion gallons of water while remaining in 100% compliance with all EPA regulations. PWC continuously monitors water quality by performing more than 150,000 tests a year. This year’s Water Quality Report, as well as past reports, are available for viewing online at FayPWC.com/Water-Quality-Report/.

City Manager presents recommended FY2027 Budget
City Manager Douglas Hewett presented the Fiscal Year 2027 Recommended Operating Budget to the City Council and the public at the Budget Work Session on Thursday, May 14. The recommended budget totals $322,813,979.
Key highlights of the FY2027 Budget include:
• Tax Rate Adjustment: The recommended budget proposes a property tax rate of $0.4595 — still one of the lowest in the City's history. The modest $0.01 increase will help maintain strong, reliable services without placing a significant burden on taxpayers.
• Public Safety Investment: The recommended budget allocates $120 million to public safety, to include:
• Fayetteville Police Department — $76 million, a $2.54 million increase
• Fayetteville Fire Department — $42 million, a $2.1 million increase
• Office of Community Safety — $2.18 million, a $287,000 decrease
• Mental Health Response Expansion: Two new mental health response units will be added to the Office of Community Safety to assist residents in crisis while minimizing law enforcement response, when possible. This OCS work, along with efforts to reduce violence, address homelessness, and support youth programs, reflects a new and more balanced approach to community safety.
• Employee Compensation: The recommended budget invests in the City workforce through step increases for public safety personnel, a 4% pay raise for all City employees, and a 1% increase in the City's 401(k) contribution.
• Solid Waste Fee: To offset rising fuel costs, the recommended budget proposes a $10 annual increase to the Solid Waste Fee.
"This budget is built on a simple but powerful commitment: delivering quality, sustainable public services that allow our communities to thrive and our businesses to grow," City Manager Douglas Hewett said. "It ensures we continue providing the services our residents rely on, while remaining fiscally responsible and advancing City Council priorities. We recognize that national and global events can shape our local community in ways we don't always anticipate. That is precisely why careful planning and strong leadership matter more than ever."
The City Council will review the recommended budget during the budget work sessions on May 21 and May 28, followed by a public hearing on May 26 at the regular City Council meeting. All budget work sessions are open to the public and can be watched live on FayTV, the City's government access channel, available on Spectrum Channel 7, at FayTV.net, and on the FayTV app on most streaming devices.
The public hearing will be held on Monday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. during the regular City Council meeting.
Residents who wish to speak must sign up by 5 p.m. the day of the meeting through one of the following:
• Online: FayettevilleNC.gov/Clerk
• Phone: 910-433-1989
• Email: CityClerk@FayettevilleNC.gov
The recommended FY-2027 budget can be reviewed at FayettevilleNC.gov/Budget.

“Through Their Eyes, We Remember. Through Their Voices, We Honor.”
Youth from across our community are bringing history to life through Heroes of Fayetteville–Cumberland County, a retrospective performance celebrating the influential voices, extraordinary achievements, and enduring legacies of hometown heroes from the past and present, performed by talented students in grades 1–8 from the Greater Life of Fayetteville’s After-School Program and additional Cumberland County schools.
Students from the following local schools participated in all aspects of the production, showcasing their artistic talents both on stage and behind the scenes while gaining hands-on experience in theatrical production, storytelling, staging, and creative elements to bring the stories to life:
• Cumberland Road Elementary | Stedman Elementary School
• Ashley Elementary School | Anne Chesnutt Middle School
• Ferguson-Easley Elementary | Lake Rim Elementary School
• Gray's Creek Elementary School | Alderman Road Elementary School
• William H. Owen Elementary School | Home School
The first performance will take place on Friday, May 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a second performance on Saturday, June 6, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both performances will be held at the FTCC Tony Rand Student Center, located at 2200 Hull Road in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
“It is more than just a performance — it is a movement of remembrance, identity, and purpose,” said Georgeanna Pinckney, Executive Director of Greater Life of Fayetteville. “These memorable monologue performances will not only amplify the creativity of our youth, but also preserve the stories and legacy of those who helped build our community.”
Audiences of all ages will experience a renewed sense of community pride and cultural appreciation while gaining a deeper understanding of the leadership, sacrifice, resilience, and service that continue to shape Fayetteville–Cumberland County today.
Community members, families, educators, civic leaders, and supporters are encouraged to attend this celebration of youth, culture, and history. To attend, RSVP at Eventbrite https://HeroesFay.eventbrite.com.
Heroes of Fayetteville-Cumberland County is presented by Greater Life of Fayetteville and funded by the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County.

Fayetteville’s Goodyear Tire Factory to close in 2027

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Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Written by Paul Woolverton, CityView Today

The massive Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. factory on Ramsey Street north of Fayetteville is set to close in 2027, the company said on Tuesday.
“After extensive efforts to make the Fayetteville, North Carolina facility competitive, Goodyear is in discussions with the United Steelworkers to close the facility by the end of 2027,” Kylie Ulanski, the senior director of Global Manufacturing & Supply Chain Communications, told CityView by email.
“This difficult action is necessary to strengthen Goodyear’s ability to compete in today’s marketplace and support the long‑term health of the business. Our focus is on treating all impacted associates fairly and communicating openly as discussions move forward,” Ulanski said.
Efforts to reach United Steelworkers Local 959 were unsuccessful on May 12.
The plant has about 1,700 hourly and salaried employees, Ulanski said.
Goodyear this month announced that it lost $249 million in the first quarter of 2026.
“The first quarter reflected a challenging environment, marked by weak consumer industry demand in both OE and replacement across the majority of our key geographies,” Goodyear President and CEO Mark Stewart said in a news release on May 6. “OE” stands for “original equipment,” and refers to tires that vehicle manufacturers include with new vehicles.
“Looking ahead, increased pressure on industry demand and higher raw material costs stemming from the conflict in the Middle East require that we continue to take meaningful actions to strengthen our cost structure,” Stewart said.
Community Leaders Brace for Loss
The Fayetteville factory opened in late 1969 after the Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., a Goodyear subsidiary, chose Cumberland County for the plant. The companies merged in 1996. In 2005, the plant took on the Goodyear name, Tyrepress.com reported.
Goodyear has long been one of Cumberland County’s largest and better-paying private employers, and a relatively rare manufacturing operation in a community with an economy dominated by lower-wage retail, rental, real estate, and service businesses that cater to the military families and defense workers of Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the world.
In a joint press release from the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, local elected leaders said they are preparing for the loss.
“While this news is disappointing, Fayetteville has always risen to meet challenges head-on,” Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “We are redoubling our efforts to connect our workforce to new opportunities and ensure our residents are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Our commitment to building a Next Generation workforce has never been more critical.”
Kirk deViere, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, said the city and county will help support employees at the plant.
“Cumberland County cares deeply about every worker and family impacted by this closure,” deViere said. “Together, with our partners at NCWorks, Mid-Carolina Regional Workforce Development Board, Fayetteville Technical Community College, and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the City and County are committed to providing support and resources to those affected.”
The FCEDC will help, too, said Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the economic development agency.
“Assuming the closure proceeds, FCEDC will work in close coordination with state and local workforce development partners to ensure that all impacted employees have seamless access to training programs, job placement services, and other forms of support,” he said.
Key Moments in Goodyear’s Fayetteville History
The archives of The Fayetteville Observer—available online to anyone with a Cumberland County library card—outline the Goodyear factory’s long history. Here are some milestones:
• 1969: In March, Kelly-Springfield selected Cumberland County for a new factory. The $12 million project began making tires in December. It employed 575 people and made 12,500 tires daily.
• 1970: A $40 million expansion was announced that would bring the workforce to 1,700. Later expansions and upgrades followed over the next 25 years.
• 1988: The plant announced a $19 million modernization and expansion. It employed 2,900 people and produced 52,000 tires a day.
• 1994: $33 million in upgrades announced to increase capacity to 65,000 tires a day.
• 2004: Goodyear invested $50 million for upgrades and a new warehouse.
• 2007: The North Carolina General Assembly allocated $60 million for grants to be split between the Goodyear plant in Fayetteville and a Bridgestone Firestone tire factory in Wilson.
Each plant was required to spend $200 million in upgrades and maintain employment of at least 2,000 full-time workers.