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BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Organizations and directors of emergency management agencies from three counties impacted by flooding were recognized as Bristol Motor Speedway Neighborhood Heroes Saturday night for their efforts during and after Hurricane Helene.
A release from BMS said several individuals and two organizations were recognized on stage before the Bass Pro Shops Night Race kicked off at BMS.
Appalachia Service Project (ASP), Virginia State Police (VSP) Aviation Division in Abingdon, and emergency management agency directors for Sullivan, Washington, and Greene counties were honored as BMS Neighborhood Heroes.
“All of these groups and individuals made an extraordinary difference a year ago when our community faced challenges due to Hurricane Helene’s extensive flooding across Eastern Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and Western North Carolina,” said Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of BMS, in the release.
“We are thrilled to honor tonight’s BMS Neighborhood Heroes from the Tri-Cities region, including our friends at the Appalachian Service Project, the Aviation Division of the Virginia State Police, and our committed emergency management agency directors from Sullivan, Washington, and Greene counties. We will always be grateful to these heroes for their leadership, commitment, and unwavering dedication in a time of unprecedented crisis.”
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Appalachia Service Project, with team members Melisa Winburn, Matt Akins and Tyler Rhodes. -
Trio of regional emergency management directors including Jim Bean of Sullivan County, Heather Sipe of Greene County and Evan Clyburn of Washington County. -
Virginia State Police Helicopter rescue team that responded to Unicoi Hospital during Helene flooding. They include John Ratliff, Jeffrey Bush and Jake Culp. -
TDOT team members Camren Yarberry (left) and Michael Dick
Along with EMA directors, ASP and VSP Aviation, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) was a state agency named a BMS Neighborhood Hero.
TDOT worked to reopen several essential routes across Northeast Tennessee, including Interstate 26 in Erwin and multiple washed-out bridges on highways in Washington County.
“We can’t thank the Tennessee Department of Transportation enough for their contributions,” Caldwell said in the release. “Their efforts to restore infrastructure after Hurricane Helene were monumental. Yet, their daily work to maintain clear and safe roadways is often overlooked, and we are so grateful for their service. We are proud to highlight their contributions by honoring them as a BMS Neighborhood Hero at tonight’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race.”
