Lake Lure couple reunited after volunteer rescue pilot threated with arrest

A couple has reunited after a volunteer pilot, who rescued the wife, was threated with arrest if he went back to rescue the husband.

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[yermoffroad]

They dragged the dude through the river rather than let a helicopter pilot save him.. fucking ridiculous

[halfcircle]

As a fire service professional with over 35 years of experience, this Assistant Chief needs to be terminated from the fire service. Disasters of this magnitude are not the time to "protect your turf" and he should have welcomed the help, not threatened to arrest the help. This guy gives our profession a black eye - and the local residents ought to be demanding his resignation - along with the township manager who tried to defend his inexcusable behavior. IT'S ABOUT SAVING LIVES nitwit, not your little kingdom.

[stevenpackman]

Dude is a hero, he was acting out of shear humanity ❤

[MotorboatToo]

The pilot wasn't trained??? He is former military, and a former police officer trained in search and rescue...

[donaldlowler]

Another example of useless people being in a position of authority.

[michelerenem]

Did anyone else notice the COWARD asst fire chief opened the door and peeped in during the city manager internew at 9:39 Too big of a COWARD to speak for himself. He needs to be fired immediately.

[claudiaperfetti]

That pilot was so good !! God bless him! May there be more like him everywhere!

[suzanne]

Jordan is an ex-cop with rescue experience and has 1400 flight hours, not just "some civilian." Their response is just gaslighting.

[jessegarman]

Licensed pilot here. Unless there was an FAA established TFR, Temporary Flight Restriction, in place The helicopter pilot can go anywhere he wants. Any violation would be handled by the FAA. A deputy fire chief has absolutely no authority in this case. The fire chief guy is an overblown lard bucket that has know idea what he is about.

[jseehowitsbeen]

So flying a man in a helicopter 3 min. away was too dangerous and not allowed because of the stupid assistant fire dept. chief, but dragging a man by ropes across a raging, debris filled river was deemed acceptable and safe? What a joke.

[catherinem]

I heard the "Chief" was hope immediately. Fire "the lady" who "covered" for the Chief, as well. Rescuing stranded people without them having water to drink is a super emergency. They don't have time to wait a week or two to be rescued. Volunteer Rescuers should be welcomed immediately! The ones being rescued aren't asking for a new house, new job, are simply clinging to life itself and are grateful to just be alive. God is so good.... he gets people rescued. Than God also opens new doors for them to prosper once again.

[breathoflifeacres]

The way they rescued the man was more dangerous than having him get on a helicopter

[patrickwong]

Chris Melton is a bully and a coward. The town manager making excuses is even more pathetic.

[LordZoth]

As a man from New Orleans, that woman is spewing ABSOLUTE BS. You DO NOT turn help away in times like this! Disgusting!

[markl]

Chife Melton and the city manager should resign or be fired.

[toddfryman]

Dragging him across a raging river was safer than being taken by helicopter?? How many people possibly died because of this fire chiefs ego??

[rperkins]

This lady is protecting her chief, excuses, all BS. Fire her as well!

[KateColors]

I'm glad more people are being allowed to help. Thank you, Jordan, for being the person you are. ❤

[sandbridgekid]

They risked that husbands life, dragging him across a bloody RIVER, rather than a hero in a helicopter. Fire Chris Melton.

[NWinnVR]

Sorry, I can't let you save my life.
You didn't file the right paperwork.

Disgusting.