CRAIGTOWN, N.C. (WLOS) — Firefighter Tony Garrison and his nephew Brandon Ruppe were two of the 13 killed in the Craigtown community of Fairview after Hurricane Helene.
Garrison was a volunteer member of the Garren Creek Fire Department and a Battalion Chief for the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department.
Garrison was attempting a rescue after a landslide when a second landslide happened.
HELENE DEVASTATES GARREN CREEK, “CRAIGTOWN”, KILLING 13, INCLUDING 11 FROM ONE FAMILY
The Garren Creek Fire Chief talked about Garrison’s bravery and love for his community.
“That was his passion: to try and help people and, you know, he didn’t mind helping. He also worked for a time in Fairview and he volunteered his time here with us, and I hate we lost a good person,” said Garren Creek Fire Chief Wade Wright.
Garrison was 51. Brandon Ruppe lost his life beside Garrison while helping save their neighbors.