Emergency workers lauded for service

Congressman

honors quick

response to help

Helene victims

  • Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress Congressman Chuck Edwards, center, recognizes emergency workers for their service, from left, Daniel McNabb-Paramedic; CCSO Investigator Brandon Coker; Benton Logan, CCSO; Lt. Tyler Faggard; Sheriff Mark Buchanan; Edwards; Clay County Manager Debbie Mauney; Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Ledford; CCSO Sgt. Ethan Henderson; Clay County Dispatcher Leann Moore; Paramedic Brandon Bailey and CCSO Chief Deputy Joe Wood.
    Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress Congressman Chuck Edwards, center, recognizes emergency workers for their service, from left, Daniel McNabb-Paramedic; CCSO Investigator Brandon Coker; Benton Logan, CCSO; Lt. Tyler Faggard; Sheriff Mark Buchanan; Edwards; Clay County Manager Debbie Mauney; Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Ledford; CCSO Sgt. Ethan Henderson; Clay County Dispatcher Leann Moore; Paramedic Brandon Bailey and CCSO Chief Deputy Joe Wood.
  • Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress Sheriff Mark Buchanan, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, County Manager Debbie Mauney, EMS Coordinator Jeff Ledford, County Commissioners Clay Logan and Dwight Penland.
    Deby Jo Ferguson • Clay County Progress Sheriff Mark Buchanan, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, County Manager Debbie Mauney, EMS Coordinator Jeff Ledford, County Commissioners Clay Logan and Dwight Penland.

    Staff

    Report

     

    On Monday, Congressman Chuck Edwards formally presented the Congressional Record to Clay County’s First Responders in recognition of their exemplary service and support to neighboring counties in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 

    “The ceremony highlighted the swift and selfless actions taken by Sheriff Mark Buchanan, who was among the first to reach out to hurricane-stricken counties,” County Manager Debbie Mauney said in a news release.

    Buchanan organized and dispatched critical manpower, supplies and fuel to Haywood, Buncombe, Avery and Mitchell counties, playing a vital role in their immediate relief efforts. Under the leadership of Jeff Ledford, Clay County EMS Director, alongside Clay County Fire and Rescue Director Brian Anderson, those departments worked in coordination with the sheriff’s department to collect, load and deliver much-needed supplies donated by the community. 

    Community Paramedic Ben English was specifically commended for his hands-on role in staffing the emergency shelter in Haywood County, providing essential care and support to displaced residents. Kevin Sellers, director of Clay County 911, expressed deep gratitude to Johnston County for stepping in and managing Clay County’s emergency calls for several weeks while local communications were down. 

    Edwards praised the county’s first responders, “Clay County has first responders we can all be proud of. Their commitment to working together-not just in times of crisis, but every day ­with our neighboring counties exemplifies the spirit of service and cooperation our community is known for.”

     Clay County’s response during Hurricane Helene stands as a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of rural emergency services working together in times of great need, according to Edwards.