The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) praised public safety professionals for their life-saving activities in a press statement on Friday, highlighting a heroic rescue effort conducted by two state employees in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.
Members of the Incident Management Assistance Patrol (IMAP) received an urgent report about a perilous scenario on Interstate 40 near the Pigeon River in late September, while Helene was dumping heavy rains on the area. The highway was badly damaged by the storm, which put cars at serious risk.
After being dispatched to the scene, responders Chris Strader and Garret McFalls quickly evaluated the situation, turned drivers around, and safely returned them to Tennessee via the westbound lanes.
Senior IMAP Responder Garret McFalls said, “I firmly, firmly believe that God had a hand in this.” And Chris and I might have been among the casualties if his hand of protection hadn’t been on the people down there. That day, we undoubtedly felt safe.
According to Chris Strader, Senior IMAP Responder, “it’s just our job.” This is our daily routine. That’s why we’re here. Our goal is to assist people. Ensure their safe arrival at their destination. I don’t think of myself as a hero. It was simply another volunteer day.
Even though Western North Carolina’s routes are gradually reopening, Hurricane Helene’s effects are still being felt, with certain areas still inaccessible. The latest recent data is available on NCDOT’s road reopening tracker, which shows that the agency is still continuously monitoring road conditions. 271 roads were still closed as of Friday, while 1,109 routes have reopened.
NCDOT emphasized the return of the Santa Train this month in addition to its response to Hurricane Helene. On December 14, NC By Train will start the family Christmas tradition again after a five-year break. It will depart from Raleigh Union Station and go to Greensboro and back.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.