A Story Of Support Banner Elk Fire Department Offers Thanks To Turchin, Community By Mark Mitchell It was just four months ago when tragedy stuck the Banner Elk Volunteer Fire Department, and the community as a whole, when four members of the department died off the coast of North Carolina following a boating accident. Kevin Bell, Nathan “Griff” Lyerly, Michael Shope and Archibald “Arch” McFadyen died that day and it was, and still is, a time of sorrow and remembrance for the town and the department. The tragedy struck particularly close for fire chief Mickey Bell, who lost his son, Kevin Bell, during the accident. As he spoke on Monday, however, Bell remembered the love and dedication his son, and all of the fallen firefighters, had for the department and how they would want only the best for their comrades. John Turchin, right, recently presented Banner Elk Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Mickey Bell, and fundraising co-chair Caroline Fischer with a check for $27,000. Photo by Mark Mitchell “I’m very sorry for the deaths that occurred,” Bell said, “but all of the boys would want us to try to improve the department so that we could better serve the community.” A major step towards that goal was taken recently when a check for $27,000 was presented to the department by John Turchin, who underwrote and organized a fundraising event with the firefighters in mind. As chief Bell and fundraising co-chair Caroline Fischer discussed the much-needed funds raised, however, they both alluded to the tragedy as the inspiration, and turning point for the department’s renewed fundraising campaign. “After the boys died,” said Bell, “the community really came together and stepped up for us. It kind of woke people up to the needs we had, and they got behind us like never before.” Added Fischer, “Right after our firefighters died, Lori Dean (also a fundraising co-chair) and I addressed the needs of the department and stepped up our fundraising campaign.” Bell, Fischer and Dean decided that the first two things fundraising efforts would benefit would be one, a new Class A Fire Engine Ladder Truck, and secondly, the implementation of four $500 scholarships for a deserving individual to use while attending Lees-McRae Community College. The four scholarships would be named to honor the four firefighters who passed in the accident. With goals in mind, Fischer approached developer John Turchin and asked him to underwrite a fundraising dinner at Lees-McRae. Turchin, who said he was aware of the firefighters’ deaths and felt a strong need to help the department in any way he could, then took the fundraising efforts to a new level by offering to host and underwrite an event on the grounds of his The Lodges at Eagles Nest development. With July 4 just around the corner, Turchin’s plan was simple … to host an annual fundraising event at The Lodges at Eagles Nest Amphitheater, with all proceeds going to the Banner Elk Volunteer Fire Department. “I just believe you have to give back to the community you live in,” said Turchin. “I definitely believed in the cause, and knew I wanted to help.” With July 4 only weeks away, many long days and nights were spent completing the amphitheater, which was finished in time for what would be called the 1st Annual Red, White & Blue Celebration. “We named it the Heartrock Amphitheater,” Turchin said, “because it was built from the hearts and souls of many people in just 11 weeks. We had between 70 and 100 volunteers and about 200 members of my staff working day and night to get it ready.” On July 1, more than 2,000 people attended the showcase, which featured many musical artists along with other activities. Members of the Bob Segar Band and Eric Clapton’s group took the stage for an All-Star Band performance, and En Vogue closed the show with a multi-hour performance. In the end, $27,000 had been raised, strictly through donation, and a major first step had been taken in the department’s fundraising efforts. “It was a great event in terms of money raised,” said Turchin, “but also in terms of public awareness for all of the efforts of our community’s firefighters. These are the people who respond when you call 9-1-1, and these people need all of the community’s help. I think that every business in Banner Elk should make a donation to the fire department.” Recently, Turchin presented the Banner Elk Volunteer Fire Department with the check for $27,000, and now the department will begin to apply the funds towards their goals. “We will select four students to receive the $500 scholarships who demonstrate the same drive and desire to help the community that our fallen firefighters exhibited,” Fischer said. As for the other $25,000, Bell said that a memorial would be built to honor all of the department’s firefighters and that the rest would go towards the purchase of the new ladder truck, which has a price tag of $580,000 if fully equipped. “We have a long way to go to raise enough money to buy the truck,” Bell said, “but it’s a great start. We’ve had to use fundraisers in the past to just keep the doors open. But thanks to John, to whom I am so grateful, things are looking up. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.”