The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office has deployed deputies to Madison County in response to Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in Western North Carolina. Sheriff Jackie Rogers, along with his team, is heading west to assist in relief efforts and deliver essential supplies to the affected communities.

The relief effort is part of a coordinated response by the North Carolina Sheriff's Association. "The North Carolina Sheriff's Association's got a plan of action for emergency situations where we all come together and see what the need of the other sheriff's is," said Rogers. "We had almost the entire office volunteer to go."

The Lenoir County deputies will assist local law enforcement in Madison County by working shifts from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. In addition to providing manpower, they are also transporting supplies, including water, toiletries, and non-perishable food items. “I sent out an immediate request asking if anyone was interested in donating supplies, and people showed up last night and this morning,” Rogers stated.

Captain Michael Williams, who helped coordinate logistics for the trip, emphasized the importance of giving back. “Those men and women have come down here several times during our floods over the past few years, and it’s time to give back,” Williams said.

Rogers also noted that the Madison County Sheriff's Office experienced a tragic loss during the storm, as one of its deputies died in the line of duty. “We hope to support the sheriff there and the staff as well,” Rogers added.

The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office is one of several law enforcement agencies in North Carolina participating in the relief efforts, a testament to the state’s mutual aid system during times of crisis. Before the trailer pulled away taking the Sheriff’s department to Madison County, Rogers stood with his team in prayer for their upcoming journey.