Full Notification

April 8th, 2020
For lmmediate Release
  Today is an unbelievably sad day in the history of Tryon. As you are aware, we faced the unexpected loss of Tryon Fire Chief Tank Waters yesterday afternoon. This loss comes as a surprise to everyone including ourselves.

Chief Waters poured his heart and soul into Polk County and its citizens for over 20 years. We were blessed to have him as a Chief, leader, friend, and role model. Chief Waters proved himself to be a vital part of our team and we will forever remember his humor and love of life around the office.

While no one can replace Chief Waters, we want you to know that multiple agencies have stepped up to support us in our time of need. We would like to personally thank Landrum Fire and Rescue, Saluda Fire and Rescue, Columbus Fire and Rescue, County of Polk, Polk County Sherriff's Office, Polk County EMS, County of Henderson, City of Hendersonville, Henderson County Rescue Squad, Henderson County Sherriff's Office, Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue, North Carolina Forest Service, and the Western North Carolina Peer Support Network. These agencies have volunteered to help assist us in multiple ways over the past 24hrs. Fire and Emergency Response services provided to you will not change thanks to these heroes. For this, we are forever grateful.

The Town of Tryon staff would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the Waters, Cowan, and Ravan families. We know that your loss is huge and we are here for you during this time. We would also like to ask that everyone please give these families privacy during this difficult time, We will publish any information on arrangements once the family makes those decisions
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Thank you for your patience with our staff as we navigate through this together. Marshall Lipscomb has been appointed to lnterim Chief of the Tryon Fire Department.

Regards,
Zach Ollis
Town Manager