A Macon County Sheriff’s Office courthouse security deputy died in flooding on Fulton Road following Hurricane Helene’s hit to Macon County.
Charles James “Jim” Lau, 75, died Saturday, Sept. 28, after his truck was swept into the Cullasaja River the day before.
“Jim was very liked and respected within our department. He was known to be a hard worker, dependable, and he jumped in wherever help was needed,” the Macon County Sheriff’s Office stated. “His absence will truly be felt in our agency.”
According to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday, around 11:30 a.m., a 911 call came in about a truck in the water off Fulton Road.
“It was soon realized that one of our courthouse security officers, Jim Lau, hadn’t returned to work from lunch and his truck matched the description of the truck that was seen in the river,” MCSO stated.
Multiple emergency service agencies began search operations that afternoon including an on-foot search, drone search and multiple swift-water rescue teams were called in. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the search was put on hold when the sun began to set. Lau’s body was found and recovered from the river shortly after the search resumed early Saturday morning.
N.C. State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.
“He has been in law enforcement for 40+ years, from Florida to N.C., to Wyoming and back to N.C., and before that he was a member of the US Air Force. My daddy lived to serve,” Lau’s daughter Desi Andrews posted online in the Hurricane Helene Safety Check-In group.
Macon County Clerk of Court Shawna T. Lamb said Lau’s passing is a great loss and that everyone will miss him and his smile.
Lau had retired from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
“He was instrumental in establishing the crime scene program and taught hundreds of new deputies various crime scene skills,” the Volusia County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office stated. “Thank you for your service, Jim, and may God bless your loved ones who mourn your loss. We send our deepest condolences.”
A service to celebrate Jim’s life, and to honor his service in the U.S. Air Force and his service in law enforcement, will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Employees of the Macon County Courthouse and those connected to law enforcement will serve as honorary pallbearers.