Deploying in the Aftermath
Left to right: Raleigh Police Major B. Harrison, Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson, Black Mountain Police Chief Steve Parker, and Raleigh Police Captain D. Nieters.
The Raleigh Police Department is committed to supporting any public safety entity in our state during times of crisis and proudly stands in solidarity with the agencies assisting in any disaster.
Shortly after the devastation came to light, Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson made a call to action. Chief Patterson’s call reflected our deeply embedded values, stating: “Our brothers and sisters facing devastation in the western part of the state are under extreme anxiety and stress. As always, I look to each of you to remain a consummate professional and cling to our values of service, courage, fairness, integrity, and compassion.”
Over 150 employees answered the call while coworkers filled-in the gaps here at home. In the days that followed, members of the Raleigh Police Department worked closely with the NC Emergency Management Team until we received a mission assignment. During that time, we prepared equipment and supplies to ensure that we could deploy in teams of 20 or more trained personnel capable of managing complex incidents over an extended period of time.
The contingent of Raleigh Police officers and professional staff were deployed to Black Mountain to assist with law enforcement and recovery efforts. A total of 79 employees volunteered for this monumental assignment, which is a first for the Raleigh Police Department.
The first team of Raleigh Police Department officers arrived in the typically serene, picturesque town of Black Mountain around midday on Oct. 11. The sharply angled mountain facades, the backdrop of many professional photo shoots, juxtaposed the devastation that lay at their bases.
Upon arrival, officers checked into the Ridgecrest Conference Center, a meeting and convention center steeped in history captured in photos that adorn the walls of the lobby area.
Harnessing the Energy of the RPD
Raleigh Police officers attend a briefing in Black Mountain, NC.
The first wave of officers, led by Major Brian Harrison, checked-in, received their room assignments, and attended the first briefing.
Major Harrison reflected on his leadership of the first deployment. “As the lead of the first group, I did my best to harness the energy of the RPD officers that just wanted to help in any way possible.” He remarked that officers had the expectation of being part of a search and rescue or clearing houses. Major Harrison added that the “most important mission was to bring a sense of peace and safety to a community that was looking for some kind of normalcy.”
Each volunteer team deployed to Black Mountain. Each team was comprised of highly skilled and trained staff members committed to answering the call for relief and support from our public safety partners and the communities they serve.
The deployment team was excited about getting into the community and assisting.
During their assignment, officers conducted numerous security checks in and around the Black Mountain area. The treacherous terrain and washed-out roads presented dangerous driving conditions for the deployment teams.
The teams also conducted check-on-welfare calls. In the aftermath of the storm, NC Emergency Management received thousands of ‘211’ calls from family, friends, and loved ones who were cut off from communications. Their concerns for their loved ones were logged, and attempts were made to contact them by telephone. If contact could not be made by telephone, officers were deployed to their residence, where they were found safe. Contact was then made with the requestor.
Officers also provided assistance at food and water distribution centers. Our officers assisted the North Carolina National Guard by loading items into the residents' cars. They also delivered several packages to residents who were unable to leave their homes.
Additionally, officers worked closely with volunteers and local law enforcement agencies to coordinate the donation of a trailer to a family who lost their home, provided a funeral escort to a grieving family and even repaired a local resident’s generator, to ensure that their family had a warm place to sleep. Motor fleet staff embedded in the RPD teams remained in Black Mountain for two weeks and provided invaluable support to both RPD personnel as well to local law enforcement officers who sustained damage to their personal and work vehicles as a result of the storm.
Hurricane Helene distribution site in Black Mountain, NC
Raleigh Police officers assist the town of Black Mountain, NC after widespread damage from Hurricane Helene
Exemplified by Humanity
Raleigh Police officers assist a woman during recovery hurricane efforts in Black Mountain, NC
Amidst the debris and destruction, the goodness and generosity of people came through. Captain Peter Manukas was deployed with the second team. “The experience was exemplified by humanity,” he said. “I saw the good in a small community. People bent over backward to help each other by giving food, water, and shelter to those in need.” Officers of both teams were assigned to the Rail Yard. The organization provided food, clothing, water, and other essentials free of cost to help the livelihood of others.
The Extra Distance
Sergeant Dave McDonald was also deployed with the second team. “I will carry this experience with me,” he said. “People will go that extra distance to help their communities. People will go the extra mile to help the community when they feel their cause is reinforced by others taking that extra step off their normal path to assist them.”
While each day presented new opportunities to assist our neighbors, the true impact of our efforts was difficult to quantify or measure, such as the Black Mountain Police personnel who said, "I've been working over two weeks without a day off. Thank you all for being here. I finally feel comfortable going home to rest." Local shop owners expressed their appreciation for patronage from officers who made daily purchases of coffee and goods to contribute in a small way to their economy and need for a normal workday.
The resiliency of the communities in western North Carolina is tremendous, and the RPD is honored to assist and provide personnel and resources as they heal and recover from Hurricane Helene's devastating impacts.
Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and we stand ready to assist.
