ROCKWALL, TX (July 23, 2026) — Some heroes answer the call while wearing turnout gear. Others continue answering it long after the sirens fade.
That spirit of courage, resilience and brotherhood will take center stage Saturday, Oct. 3, as the Rockwall Professional Firefighters Charities hosts its annual Firefighters’ Ball at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront.
This year’s gala will honor two Dallas Fire-Rescue firefighters whose lives have exemplified extraordinary service—and extraordinary perseverance—Tim Sullivan and Ted Carpenter. Funds raised during the evening will help support both men and their families as they face significant health challenges.
“Our mission is simple,” said Rockwall Professional Firefighters Association President, Michael Caffey. “When one of our own needs help, we answer the call.”
A lifetime of service
Tim Sullivan has dedicated more than 26 years to Dallas Fire Rescue, serving the citizens of Dallas with strength, compassion and unwavering commitment. A husband to Charmon and father of four, Sullivan built a career helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
In March 2021, however, Sullivan’s own life changed forever.
He suffered sudden cardiac arrest at home caused by a rare genetic heart condition. Thanks to the quick actions of his wife, a nurse, and first responders, he survived—but what followed was years of hospitalizations, countless procedures, medications and ultimately the need for a heart transplant.
After a long wait, Sullivan received his first donor heart in February 2026. Tragically, complications required emergency treatment and, after spending weeks on ECMO, he underwent a second heart transplant just days later.
Today, Sullivan continues the long road of recovery through rehabilitation, surgeries and ongoing medical care. Despite the physical, emotional and financial challenges, his faith, determination and the support of family, friends and fellow firefighters continue carrying him forward.
Continuing the fight
For more than 23 years, Ted Carpenter proudly served the citizens of Dallas as a firefighter with Dallas Fire-Rescue Station 17, building a reputation for unwavering dedication, courage and commitment to both his community and his fire family.
At just 46 years old, Carpenter was diagnosed with terminal peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Throughout difficult treatments and unimaginable challenges, Carpenter has continued to inspire those around him with remarkable faith, resilience and optimism.
Beyond the fire station, Carpenter is known as a devoted husband to his wife, Bree, proud father to Aubree and Tate, and someone whose kindness and servant’s heart have touched countless lives through mentoring, church involvement and sharing his musical talents.
His story serves as a reminder that courage isn’t defined only by emergency calls—it is often found in the determination to keep fighting long after the uniform comes off.
A community standing behind its heroes
Hosted by Rockwall Professional Firefighters Charity, the annual Firefighters’ Ball brings together firefighters, first responders, community leaders, businesses and residents for an evening of dining, entertainment and fundraising in support of firefighters facing illness or injury.
The evening will feature dinner, live entertainment, casino gaming, auctions, a whiskey and cigar lounge, and the presentation honoring this year’s recipients. Every dollar raised helps provide meaningful assistance to firefighters and their families during life’s most difficult moments.
The 2026 Firefighters’ Ball begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront, 2055 Summer Lee Drive. Individual tickets are $150 and include dinner, music, dancing, casino chips and evening festivities.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or more information, visit RockwallFirefighters.org.
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News.
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