Greenbrier County is no stranger to natural disasters. Two major storms have hit the county just within the last decade, including the derecho of 2012 and the 2016 flood. These storms caused loss of life and loss of property. Fortunately, Greenbrier County first responders were there every step of the way to help out those who needed it the most. So, when local first responders heard about the devastating tornadoes that hit Kentucky in December, they knew what Kentucky first responders were facing, especially those who had lost their own homes.
Often, while first responders are out helping their community, they are going through their own personal suffering, said Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Bart Baker.
“First responders still have to go to work,” he added, noting that sometimes they don’t get the help they need right away.
On December 10, 2021, a tornado formed, winding and ripping across 200 miles of western Kentucky. At least 74 lives were lost, and the damage is still being calculated.
For this reason, the Greenbrier County First Responders Association has decided to help Kentucky first responders who experienced loss due to the tornadoes through a Fill-The-Boot drive. This also includes the Greenbrier County Fire Association, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department, Greenbrier County 911, and more local law enforcement agencies.
The drive was initially expected for January 7 and 8, but was delayed for consideration of the winter storm advisory lasting through Friday.
Instead, the drive will be held January 14 and 15 in several locations throughout Greenbrier County – Ronceverte and Alderson’s drives are expected to take place in town. Smoot and Clintonville will be holding the drive at Sam Black Bridge. Tri-County and Williamsburg will be at the Alta Bridge. Lewisburg and Fairlea fire departments are hoping to set up at Wal-mart and Lowes instead of downtown due to traffic concerns. However, coordination with the businesses is still ongoing.
Emergency responders throughout the county are helping with the Fill-The-Boot drive. The organizations cooperate on calls frequently and hold big events together, such as the annual 911 candlelight vigil show here. |
“We want to take care of our brothers and sisters, our first responders, because we know so many of them suffer there,” said local emergency responder Jeff Doss, who helped organize the event. “If there’s a food trailer, for example, for a disaster, first responders are the last ones to get served, because they want to make sure things everybody’s taken care of. … [This fundraiser is for] the point where they’re actually ready and can address their needs, as far as financially, and know what their losses are. Sometimes you don’t even know what your losses are, you’ve got to step back and have to look. … We’re going to find an organization or two, … make sure that this money goes exactly where we want it to go.”
The storm struck anything in its path, such as homes, infrastructure, fire houses, and emergency responder’s equipment. One high profile example was a candle factory with over 100 workers inside – the building was destroyed, with managers not permitting workers to leave under penalty of job loss when it was clear the factory would be destroyed, as NBC reported in “Factory workers threatened with firing if they left before tornado, employees say.” Doss also pointed to reports of police stations losing all of their vehicles.
“Lieutenant Bart Baker [has] been at the sheriff’s office for a long time,” Doss explained. “Of course, I’ve been in the fire service for a long time. We remembered the devastation of the floods, the derecho, and how we received outside help. We knew that there were a lot of first responders who literally didn’t go home for a couple days, they were too busy helping other people. When they did go home, they were only to find that their homes were damaged. … That’s what we feel is probably going on in Kentucky.”
Doss explained that in the wakes of both the derecho and the flood, local emergency responders learned the “phases” of recovery.
“The need has an early, a mid, and a late season as far as supplies and good and stuff. People don’t understand, and I hope that they don’t, [because if they do], that means they’ve lived it. If devastation hits right now in the city of Lewisburg, … everyone’s going to be generous and they’re going to send in stuff. The problem is that clogs up the logistical system – what you need in the moments after a disaster like that, is basically toilet paper, feminine products, food, water, diapers, [and shelter]. That’s your immediate need.”
The fundraiser is not aiming at the immediate disaster needs, however.
“Now that we’re to the point where it’s ‘not newsworthy,’ and I don’t mean that negatively, [aid is] going to pick up a truck and [go] home,” Doss said. “Now what do [the people affected by the storm] do? … That’s why we want to give to the first responders and their families – people just don’t understand the lasting effects that happen after something like this. The last ones to get addressed, typically, are first responders.”
In addition to the boot drive, an account has been set up at City National Bank for those who wish to donate money to Kentucky first responders.
Community residents may visit any City National Bank location throughout Greenbrier County and make a donation to the Greenbrier First Responders for Kentucky account, Baker stated.
“We want to put money directly into the hands of first responders,” Baker said. “We are not going to keep one penny of the money that we raise. It is all going to help them.”
“In 2012 and 2016, everybody came from everywhere to help us out,” Baker added. “Now, it’s our turn to give back.”
After the fundraiser, when infrastructure is back online in Kentucky, is when Doss and everyone involved hopes to get funds to those who need it.
“We think that … by the time this is done this week, and the money is allocated, we will probably come in a little bit more in the late season,” Doss said. “These people don’t even have a bank to go cash a check, if we wrote them a check. … As we progress along, and they get their infrastructure back online and in order, … we can look at first responders and their families and what their their needs are.”
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