Calcutta firefighters honored for help after Hurricane Helene

The destruction to North Carolina after hurricane Helene hit was nothing short of devastating. 

After the storm flooded streets and destroyed homes, six Calcutta firefighters stepped up.

Now, those firefighters are being recognized for helping those who were affected by the hurricane last year.

The Calcutta firefighters collected trailers full of supplies and brought it to Asheville, North Carolina moments after the storm tore through the community.

“All the donations, that's the residents, the businesses of the entire area, not just Columbiana but we had Mahoning, we had Pennsylvania people,” said David McCoy, fire chief for the Calcutta Fire Department.

One of the trailers caught fire on its way down to North Carolina, but the firefighters were able to get more donations from the community.

“We filled a trailer so fast we ended up getting another one, filled it. That's when one of the trailers burnt on the way down,” said McCoy. 

The awards from the office of Ohio Representative Monica Robb Blasdel described the firefighters as versatile, dedicated and dependable. 

St. Clair Township trustees handed out the awards during a meeting.

Even though the hurricane affected people outside of the valley, the firefighters felt it was important to help.

“We always monitor what’s going on near and far,” said McCoy. “When you sign up to be a volunteer, you don’t get paid, so you do it to help people.”

McCoy said because of their experience helping with the aftermath of hurricane Helene, the firefighters are more prepared for any disasters that hit the valley.

“If something [were] to happen here in Calcutta, Ohio or Columbiana County, we are definitely more prepared,” said McCoy.

SLIDESHOW: Calcutta Fire Department collecting goods for Hurricane Helene victims