Chatham County honors 72 employees for heroic Hurricane Helene recovery efforts

In a heartfelt gathering at the Chatham County Board of Commissioners meeting, a resolution was adopted to honor the selfless dedication of 72 county employees who played a crucial role in the response to Hurricane Helene. The storm, which struck in September 2024, left a trail of devastation across Western North Carolina, displacing residents and disrupting essential services.

As the resolution was read aloud, it highlighted the remarkable efforts of these employees from various departments, including emergency management, public health, and social services. Together, they contributed over 1,200 hours to disaster relief, providing vital support to affected communities. Their immediate response included establishing temporary communications, processing emergency calls, and restoring critical services across multiple counties.

The resolution detailed the extensive work carried out by the county staff, from delivering essential resources and performing wellness checks to aiding in mass feeding operations that served 25,000 meals daily. They also provided administrative support to emergency operation centers and ensured safe food services through inspections and well water testing.

During the meeting, the commissioners expressed their gratitude, emphasizing the importance of continued support for the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. The resolution will be formally recognized at the Chatham County employee appreciation luncheon scheduled for April 4, 2025, where these dedicated individuals will be celebrated for their resilience and compassion.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the region and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the recovery process, ensuring that the needs of the community remain a priority in the months to come.