ROCKWALL, TX (Aug. 5, 2026)
Some heroes answer the call while wearing turnout gear. Others leave behind a legacy that continues inspiring long after the sirens fade.
That spirit of courage, resilience and brotherhood will take center stage beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, as the Rockwall Professional Firefighters Charities hosts its annual Firefighters’ Ball, open to the public, at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront.
This year’s gala will honor two Dallas Fire-Rescue firefighters whose lives exemplify extraordinary service and sacrifice—Tim Sullivan and Ted Carpenter.
Since plans for the event were announced, Carpenter passed away on Aug. 3—his 48th birthday—following a courageous battle with occupational cancer that developed after years of exposure during his firefighting career. Because his cancer was determined to be job-related, his passing has been recognized as a line-of-duty death, a solemn reminder of the risks firefighters continue to face long after the flames are extinguished.
Organizers said the Firefighters’ Ball will continue as planned, with Carpenter’s family remaining one of the event’s beneficiaries as the evening honors his life, service and enduring legacy.
“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. A husband to Charmon and father of four, he built a career serving others with strength, compassion and unwavering commitment.
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 were 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 his recovery through rehabilitation, surgeries and ongoing medical care, sustained by his faith and the support of family, friends and fellow firefighters.
A legacy of courage
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, Carpenter was diagnosed with terminal peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer linked to occupational exposure. Throughout his battle, he inspired those around him with remarkable faith, resilience and optimism.
Carpenter was a devoted husband to Bree, proud father to Aubree and Tate, and a faithful Christian whose kindness and servant’s heart touched countless lives.
Although Carpenter passed away on Aug. 3, his legacy of courage, faith and selfless service lives on, reminding us that the dangers of firefighting often continue long after the emergency is over.
This year’s Firefighters’ Ball will celebrate Carpenter’s life while helping ensure his family feels the continued support of the fire service brotherhood and the community he served so faithfully.
A community standing behind its heroes
Open to the public, 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 and their families facing illness, injury and loss.
This year’s event will celebrate Carpenter’s life, honor Sullivan’s ongoing fight and support both families.
The evening will feature dinner, live entertainment, casino gaming, auctions, a whiskey and cigar lounge, and a special tribute honoring this year’s recipients. Proceeds help firefighters and their families during life’s most difficult moments. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit RockwallFirefighters.org.
Sponsored content.
Firefighters’ Ball to honor heroes whose legacy lives beyond the call added by Editor on
View all posts by Editor →