News Summary
Two Asheville firefighters, Jay Bettencourt and Corey Bass, showcased exceptional courage by rescuing a man trapped in a sinking car along the French Broad River. Their quick actions enabled them to pry open the door and pull the man to safety, right before the rescue boat’s motor malfunctioned. Bettencourt was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery. Additionally, the Asheville Fire Department has been aiding relief efforts in Kentucky after severe flooding, demonstrating their dedication to community support and safety amidst ongoing challenges.
Asheville – Two Asheville firefighters, Jay Bettencourt and Corey Bass, displayed remarkable bravery when they rescued a man trapped in a sinking car along the French Broad River. The incident occurred when the firefighters received an emergency report about the man’s vehicle filling with water. They swiftly boarded a rescue boat to respond to the urgent situation.
Upon arrival at the scene, Bettencourt and Bass found the car partially submerged. Acting decisively, the firefighters utilized the boat’s motor to help pry open the car door, allowing them to pull the man to safety. Unfortunately, shortly after the rescue, the boat’s motor malfunctioned, stalling due to debris obstructing the propeller. In a critical moment, Bass quickly repaired the motor, enabling them to navigate away from the scene safely.
For his heroic actions, Jay Bettencourt was awarded the Medal of Honor during the Asheville Fire Department’s annual awards ceremony held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville. This recognition highlights the commendable actions of firefighters like Bettencourt and Bass, who frequently face life-threatening challenges while serving their community.
In addition to their recent rescue effort, the Asheville Fire Department has been actively involved in humanitarian assistance related to natural disasters. After severe flooding in Kentucky, the department dispatched a 10-member Type 2 swift water rescue team to aid the affected areas. The team is currently engaged in water rescues and providing essential supplies, including medical necessities, meals ready to eat (MREs), and bottled water, to those impacted by the flooding.
The flooding situation in Kentucky presents significant challenges, with widespread power outages, water shortages, and devastation reminiscent of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene experienced in Asheville some years ago. The Asheville firefighters are working tirelessly, demonstrating a commitment to helping communities in distress.
Despite concerns about potential flooding in Asheville following heavy rains, the National Weather Service confirmed that over the weekend, there were no reported instances of flooding within the city. This assurance comes as residents and local officials remain vigilant in monitoring weather conditions.
The actions of firefighters in both the recent rescue operations and their ongoing relief efforts in Kentucky illustrate the vital role fire departments play in emergency situations. Their training, dedication, and quick thinking can mean the difference between life and death in critical moments. The Asheville Fire Department continues to exemplify these qualities, reaffirming their commitment to community safety and support.
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Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
