WNC Firefighter Dies at age 40 after illness

Tryon -- Town of Tryon Press Release April 8th, 2020 For lmmediate Release
 Unexpected passing of Fire Chief James "Tank" Waters (photo McFarland Funeral)

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
.
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

James “Tank” Waters, Fire Chief
Share this on:  Twitter  Facebook
On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Chief James “Tank” Waters was assigned to work from his residence due to being quarantined for COVID-19 precautions.  While on official duty, he fell ill and suffered a medical emergency. EMS crews responded and treated Chief Waters to where he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Department information
Tryon Fire Department
423 North Trade Street
Tryon, North Carolina 28782

Chief: Assistant Chief Marshall Lipscomb

Town Manager 
Address/Location
Tryon Communications
291 N Trade St
Tryon, NC 28782

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-859-6655

https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities/fatalityData/detail?fatalityId=4901

**A fire chief from a small town in western North Carolina has died after falling ill at home while being under quarantine amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

*correction of report covid-19 as death, Mr. Waters was under quarantine amid the outbreak