HURRICANE HELENE DEPLOYMENT. 😓👨🏻‍🚒

I have been torn about whether or what to post about this tragedy. But I think it is important to acknowledge the sadness and selflessness that has come of it, and that those who are not here see real images of what is happening.

Our members have been deployed since last Saturday to the mountains of North Carolina, about 90 minutes to our west. While we were spared from this storm - many were not.

These scenes are from our first few days on deployment. We spent the first days in Marion, NC (McDowell County) and were then re-deployed to Edneyville, NC (Henderson County), where our members continue to operate as of this post.

Tragic does not begin to describe the destruction and sadness this storm has caused. Beyond the fire service, many of us here love the mountains and towns of western NC. We take family trips; we have friends there. Of course, for thousands of others, it is their home. This tragedy hits everyone closely.

The heroism, ingenuity, perseverance, teamwork, and brotherhood have been astonishing. I cannot possibly convey how proud I am of our members, neighboring departments, private citizens, and all of NC’s emergency services who have come together during this time.

There is still much to be done. These communities will continue to suffer from this devastation long after the news forgets about them. Please keep all those affected in your thoughts and continue to provide support however you can.