FAIRVIEW, N.C. — Funeral arrangements are announced for a firefighter who died trying to rescue people in the small community of Garren Creek in Buncombe County.
51-year-old Battalion Chief Tony Garrison died in a landslide when Helene hit the mountains nearly three weeks ago.
Garren Creek Fire District Chief Wade Wright stated Tony Garrison “lost his life while selflessly working to rescue others during Hurricane Helene, carrying out his commitment to serving our community in their time of need, as he had done valiantly throughout his career."
Garrison's visitation will be on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at Trinity of Fairview in Fletcher. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at the same location.
His obituary described the longtime firefighter, who also worked with the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, as a man who dedicated his life to serving others with bravery, humility, and an unwavering love for his community.
Garrison was one of 13 people who died in the Garren Greek Community. Authorities say Garrison's nephew, Brandon Ruppe, lost his life beside Garrison while assisting to save their neighbors when the mudslide hit.
Eleven others from the same family died due to landslides in the same community because of Helene. The Craig family lived in what's referred to as "Craigtown", which is part of the Garren Creek community located within Fairview.
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