SouthPark fire: ‘Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about it,’ Charlotte firefighters say

VIDEO/PHOTOS: We’re approaching one year since a deadly fire at a construction site in Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood. Anchor Erica Bryant spoke with some of the heroes who were right in the middle of it. It’s an interview that none of the firefighters really wanted to do, mainly because May 18, 2023 is a day that’s hard for them to think about. Yet they do — a lot. “I’d say probably not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about it, or thought about something that happened during it that I could have done differently or done better,” Charlotte Fire Capt. Mike Watts said. “What-ifs is a big thing.” Bryant asked the firefighters to take her back through the day. “That fire specifically — and you could see it citywide pretty much. I mean wherever you were in the city at the time, you could see that fire,” Division Chief Dave Farnum said.
WSOC-TV ABC 9 Charlotte

Region: CDC reports a decline in drug overdose deaths in North and South Carolina

According to the CDC, drug overdose deaths are down in North and South Carolina for the first time since 2018. The Anderson County Coroner’s Office said there is a decrease in accidental drug overdose deaths. Last year there were 89. There have been 18 so far this year. According to the Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore, Narcan is the biggest factor saving lives in drug overdoses. “Our law enforcement, our firefighters, our EMS workers are seeing these overdoses at an alarming rate still, but we’re seeing more people saved by the interventions of the Narcan. The first responders are focusing on getting there quickly and getting that administered,” said Shore. Even though drug overdose deaths are declining, the coroner said the work is not over yet.
WSPA-TV CBS 7 Spartanburg

Duplin County volunteer fire department receives state grant

A Duplin County volunteer fire department has been awarded a grant of $24,185. The grant for Faison Fire and Rescue comes from the 2024 Volunteer Fire Department Fund from the State of North Carolina. Fire Chief Carlton Lee Kennedy plans to use the funds to purchase more equipment that is needed. “Fire and rescue organizations protect our communities large and small across North Carolina, but sometimes their budgets don’t grow with their responsibilities,” said State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. “Our emergency service personnel should be supported with the best equipment and supplies needed to do their jobs correctly and safely.” Faison Fire and Rescue has been awarded a total of $258,409.85 from the Volunteer Fire Department Fund since the program began in 1988.
WNCT-TV CBS/CW+ 9 Greenville

Abandoned dog and puppies found in suitcase by Johnston County firefighters

VIDEO: A dog and puppies were found abandoned in a zipped-up suitcase on Wednesday in Johnston County, according to the Cleveland Fire Department. Firefighters from Cleveland Station 2 discovered the suitcase on Wednesday evening around 5 p.m. The suitcase had been left abandoned in front of the fire station. "I don't understand why people do it. All they have to do is come to the shelter and walk in the building and we'll take the animals," Chad Massengill said. Firefighters realized there was something besides just a suitcase that had been dropped off. Authorities moved the family of dogs to a safe location. They gave the dogs water and some food. The crew contacted Johnston County Animal Control, and the dogs are now being treated there.
WRAL-TV NBC 5 Raleigh

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in Carteret County annouces winner

A Red Cross blood drive in Morehead City Thursday added some friendly competition between police and firefighters as donors could then vote on who they support. Last Thursday morning, dozens of donors flocked to the Morehead City Parks and Recreation Center to show their support for those who support them in their community. First responders and police also came to the event to donate blood for the community and for some colleagues. Kristin Davis, a Morehead City firefighter-paramedic says seeing the amount of people donating at the event means a lot, especially for someone in their department.
WITN-TV NBC/MyNetworkTV 7 Washington