Members of the Raleigh Fire Department pose with former NBA player and coach Nate McMillan at the Nate McMillan Mentoring Camp.

RFD Members Tell Campers: There Will be a Path for You

Raleigh Fire Department members talk to campers about serving the community.

News Published 9/25/2024 Updated 9/30/2024

A few months ago, Raleigh Fire Department Chaplain Jeff Neal popped into a Raleigh bookstore after an official fire department event. He was wearing his uniform, which prompted one of the patrons to approach him.

“After telling her what I do, she asked me if I’d be interested in coming to speak to campers at the Nate McMillan Foundation camp about the fire department and serving the community,” Neal remembers. “She didn’t have to ask twice.”

In late August, Neal and six other Raleigh Fire members visited the foundation’s camp for 10-18-year-old boys. The three-day New Life Camp, founded by the former NBA player and coach McMillan, provides an educational environment where boys from single-parent households engage in activities that foster skill development and personal growth.

The about 75 campers explored technology, computers, and gaming. They engaged in public speaking sessions and financial literacy courses. They learned about various career paths and completed team-building activities.

'There Will Be a Path for You'

Camper sitting inside fire truck with other campers waiting their turn

The visit allowed members of the Raleigh Fire Department to encourage the boys to lead positive lives of purpose and impact. “Our group included firefighters from different backgrounds, and I hope that showed the campers that it doesn’t matter who you are or how you look like, there will be a path for you,” Neal says. “Several campers told us later that they needed to hear that message and appreciated our visit.”

Neal enjoys the opportunity to save lives on and off the firetruck. As Raleigh Fire Chief Herbert Griffin says, Neal is putting out spiritual fires as the department’s chaplain. “Any time I can offer encouragement or guidance to others, like the campers, I’m happy to do that,” Neal says.

Raleigh Native Continues to Give Back

McMillan graduated from Enloe High School in Raleigh and attended Chowan College and North Carolina State University. He spent his entire NBA playing career with the SuperSonics.

Although he accepted a position as the associate head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, he said his dedication to the Raleigh-based foundation and its work will continue.