Gary Smith, director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Emergency Medical Agency, commends the city and county emergency personnel for consistently working together and being active and efficient on multiple emergency scenes simultaneously.
“Seeing personnel from the various entities working together to put out the fires and protect other properties was something I wish every citizen of Carter County and the cities of Elizabethton and Watauga could have seen,” Smith said. “The only other place I have ever seen that type of camaraderie was when I was on active duty in the military.”
On Sept. 1, firefighters put out three fires in Stoney Creek and Elizabethton. At each of those locations, multiple agencies were working together to fight fire, gather information and ensure residential safety, while working in extreme heat and heavy suits.
While the Elizabethton Fire and Police departments, Carter County Rescue Squad, EMA and Elizabethton Electric Co.were fighting a fire at 1301 Hillside Drive, they received a call that Snap On Tools had a fire.
Because most of the city’s personnel was either on their way or on site at the blazing Hillside fire, Hampton VFD Fire Chief Kelly Taylor already stationed his crew in the city at Betsy Towne Square to be available if another fire should be reported.
“Talk about experience, expertise, and teamwork!” Smith said.
EFD, CCRS, EPD and EMA also worked the Snap On fire.
“I have to tell you, I was so proud of our Emergency Personnel that day that I just wanted to show the world the dedicated professionals that we have in our Cities & County!” Smith said.
At the Stoney Creek fire, three volunteer fire departments from Stoney Creek, Hampton and Watauga worked with the Carter County Sheriff’s Department, CCRS, EEC and EMA.