Line of duty death: September 20, 2019, Captain Claud G. Messer, Jonathan Creek Fire and Rescue
We will post more information when it becomes available.
On behalf of Jonathan Creek Fire and Rescue:
First responders across Haywood County are mourning a devastating loss Friday morning as one of their own was killed in the line of duty.
Captain Claud G. Messer, 74, died Friday, September 20th after he was involved in a wreck on US 276, North of Maggie Valley while driving his fire apparatus to an emergency traffic accident call.
Captain Messer was a founding member of Jonathan Creek Fire and Rescue in 1986 and he was the Chairman of the department’s Board of Directors.
“We lost a brother today. He was a pillar of this community and I can’t think of a time where he wasn’t helping someone,” said Jonathan Creek Fire and Rescue Chief Bob Messer. “I cannot remember a time we didn’t talk at least two times a day. We are devastated.”
We are praying for strength for everyone who knew Captain Messer.
Funeral service for Jonathan Creek Fire Department Captain Claud G. Messer:
A Celebration of Life will be held at noon, Monday, September 23, 2019, at Stuart Auditorium in Lake Junaluska, with Pastor David Reeves officiating.
Claud lived his life to serve others, and the family would ask to continue his memory with memorials to: Jonathan Creek Fire Department, PO Box 158, Waynesville, NC 28786.