Trending Topics

N.C. fire department hazmat team takes first place in statewide challenge

Concord Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team earned a perfect score at the SAFRE Hazmat Challenge, testing specialized response skills against teams from across North Carolina

N.C. fire department hazmat team takes first place in statewide challenge.jpg

Engineer Daniel Medford, Captain Michael Nichols, Firefighter Nick Cardarapoli and Engineer Joshua Knisley.

Concord Fire Department/Facebook

Independent Tribune

CONCORD, N.C. — The Concord Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team earned first place at the SAFRE Hazmat Challenge in Raleigh, achieving a perfect score while competing against response teams from across the state earlier this month.

The competition tested the specialized skills, coordination and preparedness required to respond safely and effectively to hazardous-materials emergencies.

Department officials said the accomplishment reflects the team’s commitment to training, teamwork and operational excellence, as well as its dedication to representing the Concord Fire Department at the highest level.

Team members were Engineer Daniel Medford, Capt. Michael Nichols, firefighter Nick Cardarapoli and Engineer Joshua Knisley.

Captain Jim Barnhart explains why alternative energy systems are changing the fireground faster than many departments can adapt — and how to close the gap
Trending
Firefighters extinguished the vehicle fire while technical rescue crews extricated two construction workers trapped inside a storage container
Signal Mountain chief Larry Sloan resigned after a town review found his social media conduct had “eroded public trust in first responders”
A Lexipol survey of 915 public safety professionals finds staffing, training and major disruptions remain key preparedness challenges
The helicopter used by NBC4 and Telemundo 52 burst into flames while covering a deadly collision between a city bus and an SUV

© 2026 Independent Tribune, Concord, N.C.
Visit www.independenttribune.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Company News
The program, in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council, provided $10,000 grants to 150 fire departments