09/27/2025
Remembering Hurricane Helene: One Year Later
One year ago today, our community changed drastically in the course of just a few hours due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. Heavy rains and high winds downed trees, power poles and knocked out power lines. Homes were destroyed, roads were washed out, and some were washed away completely, cutting our little part of the world off from the rest of the County.
This was a frightening time for many. So many families not only in Trade but all across Johnson County had to be evacuated, many by water rescue. They were forced to leave to leave their homes and all of their belongings behind knowing that it may not be there when they returned or if they were, would the home even be livable. Most were forced to throw away the much needed food in their refrigerators and freezers because there was no way to keep it from spoiling. Fear set in for those who needed electricity in order to survive due to medical reasons. With the main roads impassable, there was no direct route to shelter, stores or gas stations to replenish those needed items.
Honoring Fire Chief Michael Reece
We want to take a moment to thank our Fire Chief, Michael Reece, for all that he did for everyone in our community. For over two weeks, he was boots on the ground, making sure that every single person was safe and accounted for. He went door to door, walking miles each day, despite the sizable blisters he had worn on his feet, just to ensure that no one was left behind.
Chief Reece made sure that everyone had food, water, heat, blankets, clothing and basic hygiene supplies to last until roads became passable. Through his connections, he secured generators for elderly citizens, oxygen and insulin-dependent community members, and others with urgent medical needs. Chief Reece communicated multiple time a day with our local EMA to inform them of needs of medicine, gas and other items needed by our community. EMA was quick to respond to his needs and requests as resources allowed.
As volunteers we had never met began to arrive at the fire department from all over the United States, he directed them to clear trees and debris from county roads so vehicles could get through. These volunteers were delivering hot meals daily as well as gas for those who were medically dependent on the use of generators to the people of Trade, TN. His knowledge of the community, his friendships, and his dedication ensured that everyone was cared for during this time of crisis.
A Community That Came Together
Our community truly pulled together, making sure neighbors were safe and had what they needed. Many gave from their own supplies to help others. In fact, some even tried to turn away deliveries of food, water, and hygiene items, believing someone else might need them more.
A Message of Gratitude
On behalf of the Trade Volunteer Fire Department, we want to thank everyone in our small community for pulling together during that time and becoming family to one another. We would also like to once again say thank you to everyone who gave of their time, supplies, equipment and most of all your love to our community. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful people by our side We are grateful for the efforts that EMS made in each and every water rescue they preformed, the training they received prior to this catastrophic event, our 911 dispatch center who had to be completely overwhelmed, the sheriffs department, all of the volunteer fire departments in our County and for all of the new friendships that we made during this time.
Together, we proved that even in the darkest of times, the strength of community shines the brightest.
