CONCORD, N.C. — Career firefighter Ray Elmore, who was severely injured in a 2018 wreck, is getting ready for the next stage of his life – retirement.
Elmore was riding his motorcycle to work Oct. 9, 2018, when a car traveling in the opposite direction crossed the center line, hitting him.
"I was laid on the side of the road and next thing I know, I wake up in the hospital in the ICU," said Elmore, who is a firefighter with Concord and the deputy chief at Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department.
The crash happened just after 6:30 a.m. on Charlotte Highway (US-21), south of Interstate 77 near Troutman.
Elmore had to have part of his left leg amputated. His arm was broken and ribs were cracked.
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"He was very much like, ‘It'll be OK’ – like, ‘There are more people who need help more than I do.’ He still had that servant spirit about him, even though he had endured what he had," Concord firefighter Allison Sigmon said.
Elmore underwent several surgeries and therapy after the crash, and through it all, the community supported him.
“The support was overwhelming,” Elmore said. “I can't thank everyone enough."
The community and his fellow firefighters helped to raise more than $14,000 to support Elmore during his recovery.
“Police, fire, EMS -- when something like this happens, it's not just raising the money,” Sigmon said. “It's taking care of a family, and it's our family."
That family bond is now slightly changing.
After 15 years serving the community, Elmore chose to hang up his gear. He's headed for retirement this week.
"You know, you're not coming back, but you think to yourself, ‘There's always that chance,’ and now I know there's no chance I'm coming back. So, it just kind of sunk in,” Elmore said.
As he continues his recovery he hopes to help out as a volunteer firefighter the best he can.
Elmore said he has no hard feelings against the driver who caused the crash.
He's just thankful his injuries weren't worse.