A Whole Lot Safer

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: May 2023 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro

Ryan Gearhart

Fire, the thing so precious when needed, so frightening when not.

Ryan Gearhart, Fire Chief of Highlands Fire and Rescue, knows every jacket, hose, helmet, and chock in his brand new, state-of-the art station. It was a long time coming, but now, as he surveys the results of years of planning, he can’t help but smile.

The focal point of the new facility is the huge, centralized bays where firefighters, trucks, and gear are rocket-ready to launch in a matter of seconds. In the previous station, where bays, ready-rooms, and gear were patched together over the years, it often took many precious minutes for sirens to engage.

Today, it’s a matter of seconds to get on the road, save buildings, forests, animals, and most of all residents and their belongings.

The result: today, you, your family, and property are a whole lot safer.

There are many other ways Fire and Rescue engages with the community. Ryan lists:

1. For kids, we do fire prevention at day cares and lower elementary grades. We teach them young to respect the danger of playing with fire.

2. We invite the community to Open House events for an up-close-and-personal experience. Being touchably-near a fire engine is impressive and reminds us of the power of the machine and its intrinsic connection to our daily lives.

3. We do our best to be open and receptive to the needs of our community.

4. Calls are not just for fires. We answer: fire alarms set-off, vehicle accidents, swift water rescue, high angle rescue (if rock-climbers/rappelers get stuck on a mountainside), land search (lost or missing persons). We have an excellent rescue team, each member expert in their field, and if we need a unique specialist, we know where to find one.

5. As first responders, we help Macon County EMS with medical calls.

6. And, yes, we rescue cats stuck in trees. But N.C. Wildlife handles all the bears!

Ryan closes with this reflection, “Most people we see are not having a good day. But nine times out of ten, those we serve are very grateful for saving property and lives. Even though their house may be ruined, we save some of their belongings. If we can find three or four things they can salvage as a memory, then we can offer a small memorial to a heart-rending day. An emotional thank you reminds us of our deep connection to our neighbors.”

To learn more about Highlands Fire and Rescue, stop by and say, “Hey.” It never hurts to bring cookies, Cokes and a “Congrats on your new facility.”

Call (828) 526-3645 and leave a message if you want a tour. Or you can email [email protected]. And, of course, if you have an emergency, always dial 911.