Media Contact:
Liz Cooper 
770-570-7322

(MONROE, N.C. April 16, 2025) -- North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) recognized Union County for outstanding support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage across western North Carolina. State officials presented the award to Union County Emergency Management during the North Carolina Emergency Management Association Conference on March 26, 2025, which acknowledges the critical aid and resources Union County departments and fire departments provided during the response.

In a ceremonial presentation, state officials presented Union County with a North Carolina state flag that flew over the Western Branch office of NCEM and a certificate of appreciation. The recognition honors the coordinated efforts of several Union County departments that swiftly mobilized to assist impacted communities following the hurricane.

"When Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Union County answered the call to help without hesitation," said Andrew Ansley, Director of Union County Emergency Management. 

Union County's support was extensive and involved numerous County departments and personnel:

• Union County Sheriff's Office deployed eight deputies, a mobile command bus, specialty vehicles, and a drone operator to Buncombe County, where they assisted with search and rescue missions and law enforcement patrols.
• Emergency Communications answered 911 calls for Yancey County and deployed staff to several 911 call centers, providing relief to their workers who were personally impacted by the storm.
• Emergency Management coordinated the response locally by activating the Emergency Operations Center, provided outreach to various agencies and municipalities, and coordinated agency deployments.
• Union County Water dispatched multiple crews to assist with water and wastewater system repairs in the Asheville area. The department also delivered a generator to the Town of Clyde in Haywood County.
• Human Services mobilized approximately 25 Social Services team members to support emergency shelter operations and provide virtual assistance with Disaster SNAP and Medicaid applications.
• Environmental Health deployed staff for food and lodging inspections and other vital health services.
• Public Communications deployed two employees to assist with disseminating timely and accurate public information to affected residents in Buncombe County.
• Cooperative Extension, Human Services, the Library, and the Sheriff's Office coordinated county-wide donation drives for impacted communities.
• Multiple Union County fire departments and police departments deployed first responders to assist with emergency search and rescue operations in the western part of the state, including Monroe Fire Department, Bakers Fire Department, Mineral Springs Fire Department, Wesley Chapel Fire Department, Stallings Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Waxhaw Police Department, Union EMS* (Medic w/Sheriff's Office), and the Town of Waxhaw which deployed a communications professional to coordinate sharing public information in Mitchell County.                                          

In addition to official deployments, several county employees used personal leave to volunteer with non-profit organizations delivering much-needed relief and supplies.

"This recognition is a tribute to the professionalism, compassion, and teamwork demonstrated by Union County employees," said County Manager Brian Matthews. "Their efforts made a real difference to struggling communities, and it speaks to the strength of public service when it's needed most."

Union County remains committed to working with North Carolina Emergency Management to provide aid when disaster strikes and stands ready to support future response and recovery operations across the state.


State officials presented Union County with a North Carolina state flag that flew over the Western Branch office of NCEM and a certificate of appreciation.

###