From the Desk of the County Manager, October 9, 2026
Greetings, Durham:
October 8, 2026, was a sad day for Durham. The loss of a life given in honorable service to our community touches all of us. On behalf of Durham County Government, we extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family of fallen Durham Firefighter Andrew Brokes, just 24 years old, who died in the line of duty while valiantly battling a blaze in our community. We also surround the injured firefighters and the entire firefighter and emergency responder family with support and love in the days, months, and years ahead. Durham County stands with our emergency services members.
Moments like this remind us how much we depend on those who answer the call. Our emergency responders and law enforcement agencies play critical roles in our lives, whether directly or indirectly. They are the first we call when we, our loved ones, or even a stranger faces an emergency or critical medical incident. They are our neighbors, and we trust them to protect and save lives.
Our Community Gives Back
The bond between residents and responders was on full display earlier this week, when communities across Durham celebrated National Night Out on Tuesday evening, October 6.
The annual National Night Out event strengthens relationships between law enforcement, emergency agencies, and the broader community. Originating in 1984 as “Night Out Against Crime,” its first call to action was simple: residents turned on their porch lights and spent an evening outdoors with neighbors, demonstrating that their streets were watched over and cared for. In 1989, the National Association of Town Watch expanded the initiative into a nationwide campaign. Today, National Night Out stands as one of the largest community safety efforts in the United States, engaging millions of participants each year.
This year, more than 50 Durham neighborhoods hosted their own National Night Out celebrations, each uniquely reflecting the character of its community. Some neighborhoods organized block parties and cookouts, while others launched anti-crime campaigns. Many simply set up chairs and grills, creating spaces where neighbors could connect with officers and first responders outside of emergency situations. Each approach shared a common goal: building relationships before a crisis occurs, rather than during one. Click here to see photos and read more about some of the neighborhood celebrations commissioners visited in this newsletter.
At Carolina Arbors, the Durham County Board of Commissioners joined Mayor Leonardo Williams, members of the Durham City Council, and Sheriff Clarence Birkhead for a presentation months in the making. Crews from Durham Fire Station 17 and Seth Komanski, Chief Paramedic and Chief of EMS for the Durham County Office of Emergency Services, were present as residents toured emergency vehicles and engaged with the teams who staff them.
The highlight of the evening was a $55,399 gift from the Carolina Arbors community, aimed at strengthening EMS’s ability to respond to the needs of Durham’s growing population. This generous contribution continues the neighborhood’s longstanding support for public safety.
“Everyone talks about the need for stronger EMS capacity,” said Herman Sperling, President of the Carolina Arbors Politics and Culture Club. “Our residents didn’t just talk; they acted. This contribution is a statement of what community responsibility looks like. In prior years, we raised funds for Durham Police Department’s Blue Benevolent Fund,” he said. “In 2025, we supported the Sheriff’s Office’s need for a bomb sniffing dog. Based on a drawing among donors, Lucky was added to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. Next year’s drive will likely be for the Fire Department.”
We are grateful for the many ways each neighborhood strengthens the fabric of our growing county. This week reminded us of two truths: our emergency responders give everything to protect us, and our community can give back. As we hold Firefighter Brokes, his family, and his fellow firefighters in our hearts, I encourage every resident to find a way to show support, whether by donating to an authorized fund for the Brokes family, thanking a first responder in your neighborhood, or helping plan your community’s National Night Out next year.
Together, we keep Durham safe and strong.
Until next week,
Claudia Hager
Durham County Manager