The event also coincided with other community activities during National Fire Prevention Month. During the day, fire companies and rescue personnel from all over the surrounding area presented exhibits and demonstrations. Special events included a rappelling exhibition, a fire prevention exercise and a visit to the Child Care Center by "Andy the Ambulance". Fire prevention activities were held all day. Some HCC students and staff got to ride 100 feet up in the Roanoke Rapids bucket/ladder truck.

Participants included students, faculty, staff, and area fire and rescue personnel, with an open invitation to the community for all scheduled events.

In the impressive evening culmination ceremony, illuminated and decorated by the lights of a fire truck and an extension ladder truck, festooned with a large American flag, fire service and rescue professionals from the entire service area were recognized and received plaques of appreciation.

In his remarks, at the conclusion of the ceremony, HCC president Dr. Ted Gasper said, "My hat is off to all of you. I realize the tremendous calling and the mission and tremendous service you provide." The president presented framed certificates of appreciation to the 26 fire and rescue groups represented at the event.

To commemorate the first annual celebration, an "HCC – 911 Scholarship" (to be endowed) has been established. The scholarship will be awarded to a person involved in fire or rescue service who lives within the College’s service area and wants to enroll in a curriculum program at Halifax Community College.  For more photos of the event, click on the small pictures on the right.