Pineville engine No. 73 answers calls for Sherrills Ford-Terrell fire station

SHERRILLS FORD, N.C. — The fire truck dedicated to Pineville firefighter Richard Sheltra, who died on the job, was sent to another department in need Thursday.

Channel 9 was there today as truck No. 73 arrived at the Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire Department, which is also dealing with a tragedy.

Truck 73 was already surrounded by strong emotions of grief when it rolled into the Sherrills Ford- Terrell station.

“We were overwhelmed by the brotherhood and the support we received and we want to give back. We wanted to bring this truck that honors our guy,” Pineville Assistant Chief Michael Filliben said.

The truck dedicated to Sheltra who died fighting a fire at Edwin Watts golf store is now helping more firefighter brothers dealing with a loss of their own.

“Much like if a member of your family dies, that’s what it feels like to them,” Karyn Yaussy, Catawba County Emergency services, said.

Capt. Bradley Long' died Monday while scuba diving in Lake Norman in search of a swimmer who drowned.

Fire stations, emergency workers and even total strangers honored Long, as his body was escorted back from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem to Conover.

The Sherrills Ford-Terrell and Newton fire departments are getting ready for Long’s funeral services this weekend.

Other departments are lending equipment and manpower to run their calls and handle emergencies while they grieve.

“It does two things. (It) supports these two departments, but it also gives the others something tangible too. We are all brothers and a family, We love you,” Yaussy said.

Trucks from Charlotte, Davidson, Mooresville and Lake Norman are ready to go.

Nearby businesses are also showing signs of support.

Bob Sysol said his customers have questions.

“It’s sad. People ask about it. We don’t have many details. I don’t know what to tell them,” Sysol said.

While investigators look for answers about what happened under the surface of Lake Norman the family's focus is on the sad task ahead this weekend.

“The gesture by Pineville Fire Department has been deeply appreciated by Sherrills Ford-Terrell Fire Rescue as both departments now know the grief of a line of duty death,” Yaussy said.

Cox Media Group