IMAP Drivers Help During Hurricane Helene
While Hurricane Helene recovery continues in Western North Carolina, we are hearing from department employees who played a part in saving lives as the storm hit the area.
Those who work for the state’s Incident Management Assistance Patrol are used to helping clear crashes or changing tires.
But in late September, a couple of IMAP employees got a call to Interstate 40 where the Pigeon River was severely damaging the highway. They turned drivers around and sent them back toward Tennessee on the westbound lanes.
“To us it’s just our job. It’s what we do everyday. It’s what we’re here for. We want to help people out. Get them on their way safely. I do not feel like a hero at all. It was just another day to help out," Chris Strader, Senior IMAP Responder said.
“I strongly, strongly believe that God had a hand in this. And had his hand of protection not been on the believe down there we would’ve had multiple fatalities — maybe myself and Chris included. We felt like we had a hand of protection over us that day for sure," Senior IMAP Responder Garret McFalls said.
While many roads have reopened, many are still closed. For the latest information, go to
DriveNC.gov.
Coach Williams Interchange Dedication
A Raleigh interchange is now named after legendary Saint Augustine’s University track and field coach George Williams.
Recently, the department, school and local officials dedicated the Interstate 440 and New Bern Avenue interchange in William’s honor.
Williams led the Falcons and Lady Falcons to 39 NCAA Division II national titles – both an overall and a single school record.
Patrolman W J Smith Jr Bridge Dedication
Also, a Carteret County bridge now bears the name of a fallen North Carolina State Trooper.
Patrolman W J Smith Junior died while responding to a crash on N.C. 101 over Russell Creek in 1974. Family, friends and colleagues gathered to honor Smith before unveiling the sign that will stand at the site of the crash.
Santa Train Returns
After five years, NC By Train is bringing back its
Santa Train this month. The train will depart Raleigh to head to Greensboro and return to the Capital City on Dec. 14.