Honoring a Long-Time Supporter

The Enka-Candler Fire Department has reached a major milestone in making the community safer. The Fire Department broke ground last week on their new substation that will be located right next to Enka Intermediate School. Buncombe County Schools and Buncombe County Government agreed to lease a portion of the property for this important project.

BCS Communications

The Enka-Candler Fire Department has reached a major milestone in making the community safer. The Fire Department broke ground last week on their new substation that will be located right next to Enka Intermediate School. Buncombe County Schools and Buncombe County Government agreed to lease a portion of the property for this important project.

“It feels amazing,” said Chief Howard Beddingfield. “This has been a huge puzzle with a million pieces, and this is one of those pieces that fits perfectly.”

This new substation will reduce response times during emergencies, enhance firefighter safety by creating new positions here, and reduce insurance rates for about a quarter of the district. Enka-Candler Fire Station Number 3 will be named after Deputy Fire Marshal Terry Gentry. Gentry, a long-time supporter of the Enka district, passed away last summer. Chief Beddingfield says it’s a wonderful feeling to be able to honor Mr. Gentry in this way.

“It’s not only the care he provided, but it’s also the service he provided to the community. He served selflessly for his entire life. It's an amazing feeling to be able to recognize someone who dedicated his life to, not only the fire service but this community. This was Terry’s community.”

Construction is expected to begin soon on the substation. It will hold several different types of emergency response vehicles including a ladder truck, plus living quarters for the firefighters.

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