Sunny View Fire & Rescue

07/06/2026

Our prayers are with our brothers and sisters.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6th, 2026

Cleveland County Mourns the Loss of Paramedic/Field Training Officer Ashley Moore

Shelby, North Carolina — It is with sincere regret and heavy hearts that Cleveland County announces the Line of Duty death of Ms. Ashley Moore, Paramedic/Field Training Officer who was killed in the Line of Duty as the result of a traffic collision in Gaston County, North Carolina on Monday, July 6th, 2026.

Ms. Ashley Moore, Paramedic/Field Training Officer served with Cleveland County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for nine (9) years. She exemplified the highest standards of the EMS profession and dedication to our community.

“Our entire Cleveland County team is grieving the loss of one of our own," said Thomas McNeilly, Emergency Medical Services Director.

"Our immediate priority is supporting Ashley’s family and our first responders during this tragedy. We ask the public to keep their families and our EMS staff in their prayers," stated David B. Cotton, County Manager.

Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further information or details will be released at this time. An official update regarding memorial services will be provided in the coming days.

Official Press Release: bit.ly/ccems-mourns-loss-of-paramedic

06/29/2026

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of retired Chief Gary Brown.

Chief Brown served our community honorably for a number of decades at Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue. He loved his fire department, his family and friends and will be missed by all.

Chief Brown started in the fire service as a Junior Fireman. He quickly rose through the ranks as an adult, serving as either chief or Assistant Chief for most of his career.

He was also the first full-time chief at Blue Ridge for many years where he retired from in 2017, serving briefly on the board of directors after that.

Chief was a passionate individual, had a big heart for others and loved to have fun as was evident by his playful personality, he was never a stranger to "cutting up".

As many of us mourn the loss of Chief Brown, we ask that you keep his family, fire department family and his many friends in your prayers.

On behalf of all of us at Blue Ridge Fire and Rescue we thank you Chief Brown, for everything you have done for all of us.

More information about honoring Chief Brown's legacy and his arrangements will be shared soon.