Firefighters from across the county will come together to help one of their own this weekend.
Terry Rholetter, Otto Fire and Rescue chief and captain of Macon County Fire Services, was injured while fighting a wildfire on Feb. 12. He sustained third-degree burns over 40% of his body. Following surgeries and treatment at the Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia, he was able to return home on March 17, but still has a long recovery ahead of him.
“I would like to think everyone for everything, the thoughts, prayers, money. It’s been truly amazing the love I’ve been shown,” Rholetter said Monday. “I still have a ways to go with recovery. Most of my wounds are still in the healing stage with a lot of pain. I hope to start phys-ical therapy soon.”
Rholetter began his firefighter career as a junior member of Otto Fire and Rescue in 1998 and has served as the department’s chief since 2015. He is the father of two children.
He was fighting a fire with Macon County Fire Services on Mountainside Road and Big Ridge Road when the blaze crossed the fire line he was installing. He was airlifted to the Burn Center in Augusta. Most of the burns he sustained were on his arms, leg and back.
Fundraiser on Saturday
A benefit to assist with medical, childcare and travel expenses will be held on Saturday, April 2 at South Macon Elementary School (855 Addington Bridge Road). The event will include a bar-becue supper ($10 per plate) beginning at 4 p.m., prize drawings, a cake walk, live music and a live auction.
Killian Carpenter has been helping organize the event and said they have received donations from fire departments and businesses throughout the county.
“The community has really come together to help even more than anticipated,” Carpenter said. “We couldn’t be happier with the way Macon County has come together to help Chief Rholetter.”
Some of the items included in the prize drawings include a grill, gas cards and a shotgun. The live auction will feature guns, an electric smoker, gift baskets and gift cards. Carpenter said there will be a special raffle for a gun safe with only 100 tickets sold. Tickets for the gun safe raffle will be $40 each.
Prior to the event firefighters have been selling Boston Butts as a fundraiser. Orders may be picked up at Clarks Chapel Sub-Station 2 (290 Middle Skeenah Road) on April 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. or at the fundraiser.
Donations may be made to the Chief Rholetter Relief Fund, Nantahala Bank, 120 Siler Road, Franklin NC 28734. Donations may also be made on GoFundMe, search for Chief Rholetter Relief Fund.