Volunteer Spotlight: Carolyn Brannock

Name: Carolyn Brannock
Title: Captain/Board President
Department Name: The Fork Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.
Location: Advance, NC

Why are you an NVFC member?
I became a member of NVFC for the opportunity to receive daily information on firefighting news and enhancements of tools and knowledge. Also, I like the idea of being able to apply for grants that are offered to members for equipment and supplements.

What is your occupation?
Firefighter/EMT

Why are you a fire service volunteer?
My father became a firefighter when I was two years old. I grew up around the department with my dad. I loved seeing the difference he made in so many lives and wanted to follow in his path.

What year did you join the fire or emergency service?
2010

What are your memorable moments as a firefighter or EMS provider?
I cherish the looks on the faces of the young children as we provide fire prevention education to them.

In December of 2024 we had a structure fire in our district; a 13-year-old daughter was home alone with three dogs. Luckily, she was able to escape and call 911 for help. Her parents were out Christmas shopping for last-minute gifts for their children and actually got behind an assisting company engine on the way in. Upon arriving home, they realized it was their house and were in panic not knowing where their daughter and pets were. Emotions were high as they were not allowed into the home for safety reasons. We reunited them with their daughter and assisted in looking for their missing puppy. I have remained in contact with them ever since that night, setting up donations into our department and directly to the family [and] making personal donations of supplies to them of items needed that had not been donated. The panic they had that night and the anger of not being allowed into their home have since turned into new friendship and extreme thankfulness and proud appreciation for our department. We do it for them, not for the glory or recognition, but we follow our hearts.

What contributions have you (and your department) made in your community?

• Became a permanent checking station through NCOSFM (North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal) and Safe Kids for car seat installations.
• Two members became Fire and Life Safety Educators Level 1, 2, and 3.
• Teamed with NCOSFM and the Smoke Alarm Canvassing Grant, installing 52 smoke detectors in 2024.
• I reached out to a local small company with a program plan to install lock boxes for seniors who are homebound with disabilities. The company donated our first 12 master lock boxes. I installed six of these in 2024 at no cost to [the recipients] and set up the combination information through Davie County E 911. This will allow all forms of emergency services access to a key to make entry into the residence in the event [that in] an emergency no one is able to get to the door.

Interested in serving your community? Find volunteer fire service opportunities at www.MakeMeAFirefighter.org.