OurTown

NEWSLETTER
&
Our T own
Published weekly by the Town of Burgaw | January 5-9, 2026
The Burgaw Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department invites seniors age
55+ to attend an upcoming Lunch & Learn program on Wednesday,
January 21 at 12:00 PM, featuring special guest speaker Jeff Rivenbark
from WWAY -TV. This informative session will offer attendees the
opportunity to hear insights from a local media professional while
enjoying lunch catered by The Laurels.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To reserve your
spot, please register online at burgawnc.gov/register or call 910 -661-
3101 for assistance.
Winter Fire Safety Reminder from the
Burgaw Fire Department
The Town of Burgaw Board of Commissioners will
hold a budget public hearing during the regular
Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for
January 13, 2026. This public hearing is to allow
for early citizen input in preparation of the
adoption of the FY 2026 -2027 annual operating
budget in June. The meeting will be held at the
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington Street,
and will begin at 4:30 PM, with the public hearing
beginning at 5:30 PM or thereabout. All interested
parties are invited to attend.
N O T I C E O F P U B L I C H E A R I N G
As colder temperatures settle in, Burgaw Fire Department wants
to remind everyone to stay fire -safe while staying warm. Space
heaters should always be kept at least three feet away from
anything that can burn, never left unattended, and turned off
before going to bed or leaving the room. Be sure to use heaters
that have automatic shut -off features and plug them directly
into an outlet, not extension cords.
This time of year is also a great opportunity to check in on
neighbors, especially seniors and those living alone, to ensure
they have safe heating sources and are staying warm. A quick
knock or phone call can make a big difference.
Finally, remember to check your smoke alarms and replace
batteries as needed — working smoke alarms save lives!
The next regular Board of Commissioners meeting is
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM, with Public
Forum and Public Hearing beginning at 5:30 PM (or
thereabout). This meeting will be held in the
Burgaw Town Center, located at 108 E. Wilmington
Street, Burgaw. The meeting agenda can be found
on our website at burgawnc.gov. All interested
parties are invited to attend. Oral and written
comments welcome.
Board of Commissioners meeting
to be held January 13
LUNCH
LEARN
Senior

January 13 | 4:30 PM
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
January 15 | 5:30 PM
Planning Board Regular Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
January 19
Town offices closed for Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day
February 2 | 9:00 AM
Special Board of Commissioners Meeting:
Work Session
Burgaw Town Center
February 3 | 8:30 AM
Coffee & Conversation
Burgaw Town Center
February 5 | 8:30 AM
Tourism Development Authority Regular
Meeting
Burgaw Visitor Center
February 6 | 8:30 AM
Beautification Committee Regular Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
February 6 | 6:30 PM
Daddy Daughter Dance
(Sold out event)
Historic Train Depot
February 7 | 6:30 PM
Mother Son Dance
Historic Train Depot
Our Town | Page 2
UPCOMING
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Town of Burgaw's Fire Department has secured nearly a $1
million in federal grant funding to strengthen the department and
better serve our community in the years ahead.
Through two competitive grants awarded by FEMA —
the Assistance to Firefighters Grant and the Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant —our fire
department will be able to make meaningful improvements that
support both public safety and firefighter wellbeing.
These funds will enhance our department ’s response capabilities
and address critical safety needs within our fire stations. One key
investment includes the installation of a state-of-the-art exhaust
capture system in our apparatus bays. This system will
significantly reduce firefighters ’ exposure to harmful vehicle
exhaust and carcinogens, creating a safer working environment
for the men and women who put their lives on the line for
Burgaw every day.
This funding reflects our continued commitment to investing in
public safety, supporting our first responders, and planning
responsibly for the future of our growing community. I ’m grateful
to our fire department leadership and staff for their dedication
and for securing these essential resources for Burgaw.
Mayor Dawson
Investing in Those Who Protect Us
Mayor Dawson’s Latest Message from the Community Connection Blog
on the Town Website
The Town of Burgaw is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) vacancy on
the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee . This is a volunteer position and
applicants must reside within the corporate limits of Burgaw. Visit burgawnc.gov
for more information and application to apply. Applications may also be picked up
at Town Hall, located at 109 N. Walker Street. Completed applications must be
submitted to the Town Clerk, 109 N. Walker Street.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee

Our Town | Page 3
Thank you to the dedicated men and women of the Burgaw
Police Department as we recognize them on Law
Enforcement Appreciation Day, and everyday.
Your commitment to serving and protecting our community
does not go unnoticed. We are grateful for your
professionalism, sacrifice, and the care you show our
residents each day.
JANUAR Y 9TH
Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
2026 Garbage and
Recycling Schedule
Magnets are available at Town Hall
Friendly Reminder:
The Town of Burgaw invites residents, local organizations, and business owners to join us for Coffee & Conversation on
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 8:30 AM at the Burgaw Town Center. This casual morning gathering provides an opportunity
for town staff and community partners to come together, share updates, and discuss upcoming events and projects
happening around town.
Whether you’re looking to stay informed, connect with others in the community, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee and good
conversation, all are welcome to attend. We hope you can join us for this engaging and informative start to the day.
Cof fee
Conversation
&

Our Town | Page 4
B U R G A W F I R E D E P A R T M E N T N E W S
New Year, New Faces at the Fire Department
As we step into a new year, we are excited to share some great news from your Fire Department. Thanks to continued
community support and the assistance of the SAFER Grant, our department is growing stronger than ever — with both familiar
faces stepping into new roles and new members joining our team.
We are proud to announce the internal promotion of Joey Williams Jr., who has been promoted to Captain, recognizing his
dedication, leadership, and continued commitment to serving our community. In addition, part -time firefighter Caiden
Rhoades has officially transitioned into a full-time position, further strengthening our frontline response capabilities.
We are also pleased to welcome several new full-time and part-time members to our department:
Full-Time Staff
Kevin Hollar – Captain
Joseph Williams Jr. – Captain
Giovanni Sanzo – Captain
Reagan Roberts – Engineer
Each of these individuals brings unique skills, dedication, and a shared commitment to protecting and serving our town. As we
look ahead, we are excited about what this growth means for our department and the enhanced level of service we can
continue to provide to our community.
Part-Time Staff
Justin Decker – Firefighter Trainee
Zakary Howard – Firefighter Trainee
Jason Hawkins – Firefighter
Caden Rhoades – Firefighter Trainee
Jack Shortell – Firefighter Trainee

Mayor
Olivia Dawson
Mayor Pro Tem
James Malloy
Commissioners
Bill George
William Rivenbark
Michael Pearsall
Myra McDuffie
Town Manager
James H. Gantt
Town Clerk
Kristin J. Wells
Town Attorney
Norwood P. Blanchard, III
Town Hall
109 N. Walker St.
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-259-2151
mail@burgawnc.gov
www.burgawnc.gov
Office Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday-Friday
PUBLIC WORKS
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
NUMBER
PHONE # 910-470-0457
This phone is only answered after
hours, between 4:30 PM - 7:30 AM,
and is for water and sewer
emergencies only . Unless Public
Works has been given prior notice
from Town Hall, Public Works
cannot turn your water on due to
non-payment shut off.
Utilities
663-3445
Parks & Town Events
300-6401
Human Resources
663-3444
Permitting & Inspections
663-3452
Public Works Department
259-2901
Police Department
Non-Emergency
259-4924
Fire Department
Non-Emergency
259-7494
Elected & Appointed
Officials
Connect with us!
Board of Commissioners Meetings
Second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 PM
Public Forum/Public Hearings at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
Planning Board Meetings
Third Thursday of every month at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
Tourism Development Authority Meetings
First Thursday of every month at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Visitor Center (Old Jail)
106 E. Wilmington St.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
Meetings
Second Monday of February, May, August,
November at 5:30 PM
Burgaw Visitor Center (Old Jail)
106 E. Wilmington St.
Beautification Committee Meetings
First Friday of every month at 8:30 AM
Burgaw Town Center, 108 E. Wilmington St.
CURRENT MEETI NG
SCHED ULE
All meetings listed above are open to
the public; oral and written
comments always welcome.
Meeting agendas can be found on the
town’s website at BurgawNC.gov.
Notices for cancelations and special
called meetings will be posted on the
town’s website and weekly
newsletter when necessary.
For questions or assistance, please
contact the Town Clerk at 910-663-
3441 or kwells@burgawnc.gov.