North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) recognized Union County for outstanding support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage across western North Carolina. State officials presented the award to Union County Emergency Management during the North Carolina Emergency Management Association Conference on March 26, 2025, which acknowledges the critical aid and resources Union County departments and fire departments provided during the response.

In a ceremonial presentation, state officials presented Union County with a North Carolina state flag that flew over the Western Branch office of NCEM and a certificate of appreciation. The recognition honors the coordinated efforts of several Union County departments that swiftly mobilized to assist impacted communities following the hurricane.

"When Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Union County answered the call to help without hesitation," said Andrew Ansley, Director of Union County Emergency Management. 

Several Union County departments responded to calls for assistance from their counterparts in Western North Carolina. Union County Water dispatched multiple crews to assist with water and wastewater system repairs in the Asheville area and delivered a generator to the Town of Clyde in Haywood County (NEWS STORY). Read about how other Union County Government employees responded after Hurricane Helene at unioncountync.gov.  

In addition to official deployments, several county employees used personal leave to volunteer with non-profit organizations delivering much-needed relief and supplies.

"This recognition is a tribute to the professionalism, compassion, and teamwork demonstrated by Union County employees," said County Manager Brian Matthews. "Their efforts made a real difference to struggling communities, and it speaks to the strength of public service when it's needed most."

Union County remains committed to working with North Carolina Emergency Management to provide aid when disaster strikes and stands ready to support future response and recovery operations across the state.

State officials presented Union County with a North Carolina state flag that flew over the Western Branch office of NCEM and a certificate of appreciation.