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Concord firefighter injured in 2-vehicle crash in Iredell County

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A Concord firefighter suffered serious injuries Tuesday morning after a two-vehicle crash in Iredell County on US-21.

The crash happened just after 6:30 a.m. Tuesday on Charlotte Highway (US-21), south of Interstate 77 near Troutman.

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A driver crossed the center line, hit firefighter Ray Elmore's motorcycle head-on, then drove over him.

Officials said Elmore currently works as a firefighter for the City of Concord and also serves as the Assistant Chief at Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department in Iredell County.

"Elmore is a family man,” Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department representative Allyson Sigmon said. “He is very passionate about God. He is very passionate about his community."

In a joint release from Concord Chief Ray Allen and Cool Springs Chief Andy Webster, they said:

"As we await more information, both Concord and Cool Springs Fire Departments ask that everyone’s thoughts and prayers be with the Elmore family, as well as his fire department family. We also ask that privacy and respect be given to the family as treatment is being rendered."

Elmore was off-duty when the crash occurred.

"Ray is a fighter. He's putting up a fight,” Sigmon said. “He is in critical condition still, but stable. But he needs all the help he can get from thoughts, positive thoughts, and prayers from anybody who can send."

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Charges are pending.

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