NC Fire Chief Supported By Town After Pilot Threatened With Arrest Over Rescue Mission
Lake Lure, North Carolina, officials are supporting Assistant Fire Chief Chris Melton after he threatened to arrest a volunteer helicopter pilot during a rescue mission following Hurricane Ian. The pilot, Jordan Seidhom, was rescuing Susan Coffey when Melton stepped in, claiming the helicopter was interfering with official efforts.
Seidhom had successfully rescued Susan but had to leave Mike Coffey and his son behind. When he attempted to return for them, Melton warned him that he could be arrested if he continued without official approval. Seidhom ignored the threat and completed the rescue, leading to public backlash against the fire department.
Town Manager Olivia Stewman defended Melton’s actions, explaining that the fire department was following protocol and that Seidhom had not notified anyone of his intentions. “Our public safety personnel were doing their jobs and following the instructions they were given,” Stewman said.
Despite claims from Seidhom that he coordinated with the local Rutherford Airport, Stewman said this information was not relayed to the fire department. The airport had refueled Seidhom’s helicopter, as it was one of the few places still supporting volunteer rescue missions.
Lake Lure’s officials have faced criticism for their handling of the situation, but Stewman emphasized that the fire department acted within safety guidelines to protect everyone involved.