Swannanoa Fire & Rescue

Those who know me understand that I'm “American by birth, Southern by the grace of God and Carolina raised by the luck of fate” and that I've spent most in fact nearly all of my youth stomping around the North Carolina mountains.

I've climbed, hiked, Kayaked, camped, fished and tempted fate on most every mountain, river, gold medal trout stream, trail, and rock I could fine. 

So much of what happened during hurricane Helene in late September of this year was showing up on my iphone in real time. I understood where to look and who to ask. The responses were both troubling and heartbreaking.

And then there's this Facebook post from Swannanoa Fire & Rescue:

We promised the story the same day this photo was posted, but it has been busy.

Photo Courtesy Swannanoa Fire & Rescue

As described by Firefighter/EMT, Kristie Tolley with Swannanoa Fire & Rescue:

"As I waited for the task force team (Task Force 11, assigned to Swannanoa as additional resources before the storm hit), they brought over a woman they had just rescued from the water. 

She was shivering, cold, and crying, and as soon as we locked eyes, we both said each other’s names. 

Although it had been over 8 years since we last saw each other, we recognized each other instantly. She fell into my arms, overwhelmed by what she had been through and terrified that her boyfriend, who had been swept away, might be gone. 

I helped her get dry and warm, staying by her side as she was checked over medically. 

Miraculously, while we waited on EMS, the task force team brought her boyfriend back safely as he had also been rescued. 

Through her tears, she kept saying, “I’m so glad it’s you. I’m so glad you’re here.” 

In that moment, it wasn’t just about the rescue—it was about being there when it truly mattered. It felt like something only God could have orchestrated."

On to 2025 Happy New Year y'all!

CP