SALUDA COUNTY, S.C. — Saluda County Fire Service has announced that two of their firefighters died last week during Tropical Storm Helene.
On Sept. 27, the fire truck carrying 53-year-old chief Chad Satcher and 18-year-old firefighter Landon Bodie was struck by a falling tree.
The fire department said Satcher and Bodie worked out of the Circle Volunteer Fire Department station.
“It’s a tragic event,” said Eddie Medina, chief of operations emergency management in Lancaster County. “It’s one of those things you hate to hear happen to anyone.”
It makes you realize you’re not invincible,” said Medina.
He’ll honor the fallen firefighters this weekend by playing the bagpipes at their funerals, a skill he honed in as a career fireman with the city of Charlotte.
“It’s to honor, their sacrifice … the ultimate sacrifice,” Medina said.
Funeral services for Satcher will be held on Oct. 5 at the Batesburg-Leesville High School Fine Arts Center, with interment to follow in Ridge Crest Memorial Park.
Funeral services for Bodie will be held on Oct. 6 at the Batesburg-Leesville High School Fine Arts Center, with interment to follow at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Emergency Management Director Darren Player will attend the funerals.
“We hope it shows comfort and gives comfort to know while nothing will replace their loved ones, they know our thoughts and prayers are with them,” Player said.
A county spokesman said several EMS workers in Lancaster County will also travel to Saluda County this weekend.
They will help respond to 911 calls so local emergency workers can attend the funerals.
The South Carolina State Firefighters Foundation said contributions in memory of Satcher and Bodie can be made here.
VIDEO: Tropical Storm Helene: Man dead in Charlotte after tree falls on home
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