The lights and sirens Monday night in Tryon weren't for an emergency call. They were a tribute to a local fire chief and hero. A fitting farewell for Tryon Fire Chief Janes "Tank" Waters was complicated by restrictions in place because of COVID-19.
But Tryon made it work. But it was strict coronavirus orders from Gov. Roy Cooper that had cars lined up in front of the fire station downtown on Monday. One by one, they offered their names for the funeral home guest book. Social distancing meant they couldn’t even touch the pen. But they were able to pause and offer a farewell wave, then move along.
"This was not a good, good hand we were dealt, but we’re doing the best we can, while still honoring that memory," Polk County Sheriff's Office spokesman John Sauvé said.