Message from the Mayor – Thank You First Responders!

By Carol Pritchett
September 2024

As we enjoy the final days of summer, I want to take this opportunity to thank our first responders for ensuring a safe season here in the Lake Lure Community. I would like to start by recognizing one of our Lake Lure Beach Lifeguards, Callie Cobb.

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, Miss Cobb was serving as a lifeguard at the Lake Lure Beach. In performing her duties, she scanned the water from her lifeguard stand and then observed a child floating face down in the water. Miss Cobb took immediate action by blowing her whistle, requesting that 911 be called, and quickly responding to the child to offer life saving assistance.

Miss Cobb demonstrated bravery and professionalism when she took immediate action in a life threatening situation.  Without hesitation, Miss Cobb quickly ran to the water and swam to the child, bringing him back to the shore where she successfully performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  Her swift and proficient actions proved to be lifesaving!  She saved the child’s life that day.

Miss Cobb was serving in her first lifeguard position this summer. She demonstrated exemplary skill when she put her lifeguard and CPR certifications to use when it mattered the most.

I was able to present a proclamation to Miss Cobb at a recent Town Council Meeting to express our sincere appreciation.  We honor and recognized her for these exemplary actions.

Fire and Emergency Management

Lake Lure Fire and Emergency Management also responded to this emergency to support Miss Cobb’s efforts.  They have worked diligently throughout the season addressing emergencies and working proactively to prevent emergencies before they happen. One day this past season they responded to 24 calls in 24 hours, ranging from medical calls to fallen trees, and local fires.

Lake Lure Firefighters are also Advance Emergency Medical Technicians. They put these skills into practice routinely when they are the first responders on emergency calls. During the past season they responded to a patient who went into cardiac arrest at their home pool.  They provided advance medical care until the medical helicopter arrived.  The patient had an excellent outcome and has resumed his regular activities.

Lake Lure Firefighters frequently respond to hikers in need of rescue on our local trail system. They have special electronic bikes which aid them in reaching hikers quickly in remote areas where emergency vehicles are not accessible.

In addition to trail rescues, the firefighters also respond to water rescues. The Lake Lure Fire Department is part of the Rutherford County Dive Team.  They are well prepared and continually working to obtain additional certifications to strengthen their skills in this area.

Lake Lure Firefighters work with the community to minimize fires with education and through prevention measures.  They work with the school to educate the students and teachers on fire prevention.

Recently, Lake Lure Firefighters had to put their skills to the test in responding quickly to a structure fire on the lake.  Their efforts resulted in minimal damage to property.

The Town and the Lake Lure Fire and Emergency Management are thankful for the continued support from the local Volunteer Fire Departments who routinely assist in providing the best possible coverage and service for our community.  

In addition to ongoing training for the local staff and volunteer firefighters, Lake Lure Fire Chief Dustin Waycaster and Assistant Chief Chris Melton teach firefighter courses for the County.  We are so grateful for the tremendous service the Lake Lure Fire and Emergency Management Department provides our residents and visitors.
 

Police Department

We are also thankful for those who work to keep the peace in town. Lake Lure Police Chief Sean Humphries announced that a new officer has just been sworn into Lake Lure Police Department in order to assist in their efforts.  Officer Jeffrey Willett transferred here from the Old Fort Police Department.  Prior to that assignment, he served as an Officer at the Department of Corrections.  He recently began his Field Training here in Lake Lure.

Lake Lure Police Officers are always patrolling the area.  They recently responded to a call in Chimney Rock.  The county had an extended ETA (estimated time of arrival) in reference to a subject causing a disturbance.  Once officers reached the scene, the subject began getting loud and disorderly, and threatened the officers.  The subject became combative and started a physical altercation with police.  Fortunately, the officers were able to subdue the patron.  When he was identified he was found to have been arrested 37 times throughout the State of North Carolina.  Sergeant Umphlett along with his crew, Corporal Collins and Officer Morris were able to resolve the situation with no physical injuries.

Officers also pursued a suspicious male subject after he provided an officer incorrect information about himself.  When the subject was approached he ran and attempted to hide.  Numerous agencies assisted in an hour long search for the male who had a felony warrant for his arrest. Sergeant Umphlett and Corporal Collins diligently kept the search going for this individual knowing that he was a possible danger to the public.  The officers continued the search until he was located, about an hour into the search.  The officers were able to get him off the streets and restore the peace.

I know you all share my gratitude for all of our first responders including Lake Lure Lifeguards, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, and the Police Officers.  If you happen to see one of these courageous staff members around town, please thank them for their service.

Round Table Meetings

In September, the Lake Lure Town Council will hold two Round Table Meetings for the public. The purpose of the meeting is to give community members opportunities to ask questions, share ideas, and get information about the Town of Lake Lure and upcoming projects.  One forum will be held on The Terrace, outside of Legends at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure.  The other meeting will be in the Lake Lure Town Hall.
   
WHAT: Lake Lure Round Table Meeting at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure
WHEN: Tuesday, 9/17/24 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE: The Terrace of Legends at Rumbling Bald, 153 Mountains Blvd, Lake Lure, NC 28746
RSVP: Please RSVP to Laura Krejci at Communications@townoflakelure or 828-6625-9983 x 103.

WHAT: Lake Lure Round Table Meeting at Town Hall
WHEN: Thursday, 9/19/24 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE: Lake Lure Municipal Hall, 2948 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746
RSVP: Please RSVP to Laura Krejci at Communications@townoflakelure or call 828-6625-9983 x 103.

Please reserve your seat at one of these two Round Table Meetings.  I look forward to seeing you there and addressing any questions you may have.  Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to preserve Lake Lure!