Final Farewell for Battalion Chief Tony Garrison

Buncombe County -- October 20, 2024: Buncombe County Government Press Release: On Tuesday, October 23, 2024,

The Fairview Fire Department and the Garren Creek Fire Department will honor Battalion Chief Tony Garrison, who tragically perished in the line of duty on September 27, 2024. Chief Garrison served as both a Battalion Chief with Fairview Fire Department and a Firefighter with Garren Creek Fire Department, dedicating his life to the service and protection of his community. 

Given the ongoing recovery efforts and current roadway conditions, a final salute will be held as Chief Garrison's remains are transferred to the church for private services. We invite fire departments and emergency service agencies to join us in this solemn farewell. The salute will take place as a drive-by gesture while the procession makes its way to the destination.

Agencies wishing to participate in the lineup are asked to contact Terry Young from the Office of the State Fire Marshal by email at terry.young@ncdoi.gov to be added to the list of responding agencies. Please provide the number of vehicles/apparatus and total personnel your agency plans to post along the route. Let us come together to pay tribute to a fallen hero who exemplified courage, commitment, and service.

Arrival and Procession Details:

Those attending the final farewell are asked to report to the Ingles parking lot, located at 225 Charlotte Hwy Asheville, NC 28803, between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 23, 2024. Upon arrival, please check in with Deputy Chief Ken Letford at 828-777-4271. Attendees will be directed to line up along Charlotte Highway at designated locations.

After the procession has concluded, all attendees will be asked to disperse. Further arrangements will be private and by invitation only, in accordance with the family's wishes. No media will be allowed at the ceremony. Formal invitations will be extended at the discretion of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to one of the following:

The Craig Family GoFundMe Craig Family Gofundme

Chestnut Hill Baptist Church

North Carolina Fallen Firefighter Foundation  ncfff.org/donate

Battalion Chief Tony R. Garrison, killed on Sept. 27. 

Image: Courtesy of Forest Lawn Funeral Home