Union County's swift and wide-ranging contributions in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene earned it statewide acclaim recently, a recognition presented at the North Carolina Emergency Management Association Conference on March 26. The county's various departments and personnel were instrumental in the relief efforts that followed one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit western North Carolina in recent history.
During a ceremonial event, state officials bestowed upon Union County a North Carolina state flag that had been flown over the Western Branch office of NCEM, along with a certificate of appreciation. As detailed in Union County's announcement, this accolade was in honor of the county's agencies, which seamlessly organized to assist the affected communities. "When Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Union County answered the call to help without hesitation," Andrew Ansley, Director of Union County Emergency Management, told the local news outlet.
The recognization spotlights a breadth of services provided by Union County. These included eight deputies, specialty vehicles, and a drone operator from the Union County Sheriff's Office deployed to Buncombe County for search and rescue, and law enforcement support. Emergency Communications staff also played a critical role by stepping in to manage 911 calls for Yancey County, offering a much-needed relief to their counterparts during the crisis.
Alongside these joint efforts, Union County's contributions ranged from water and wastewater system repairs orchestrated by Union County Water, to the delivery of virtual assistance during emergency shelter operations by Human Services. Environmental Health sent staff for essential health services like food and lodging inspections, while Public Communications assisted Buncombe County residents by sharing information. There was even the generosity of county employees, who utilized personal leave to volunteer with non-profits, delivering supplies where they were most needed.
"This recognition is a tribute to the professionalism, compassion, and teamwork demonstrated by Union County employees," County Manager Brian Matthews lauded, reinforcing the significant difference their efforts have made, as per the Union County's announcement.
