They were specifically recognized in the Safety and Heroism category for their actions on I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge during Helene.
The Crisis on I-40
The incident occurred on September 28, 2024, when heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Helene caused the Pigeon River to swell. This led to the severe erosion of the eastbound I-40 embankment in the Gorge.
Chunks of the highway's shoulder and asphalt collapsed into the river.
Numerous motorists were stranded as portions of the road disappeared, creating an immediate and life-threatening situation.
Honorees and Their Life-Saving Plan
The six individuals developed and executed a rapid plan to evacuate the trapped drivers:
Scottie Coggins, Division 14 Assistant Roadside Environmental Engineer
David Hall, Division 14 Roadside Environmental Transportation Supervisor
Sgt. Joseph Henderson, State Highway Patrol
Garrett McFalls, Western North Carolina Incident Management Assistance Patrol (IMAP) Senior Responder
Austin Phillips, Division 14 Roadside Environmental Engineer
Christopher Strader, Western North Carolina IMAP Senior Responder
“These employees used their training and followed exactly what their natural instincts instructed them to do — help those around them by any means possible,” NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson said in a news release. “Their courageous actions in a chaotic moment prevented what could have been a catastrophe.”
The Governor's Awards Program
The Governor’s Awards for Excellence recipients for 2025 were honored at a ceremony on November 19 in Raleigh. The program recognizes outstanding accomplishments in six categories:
Customer Service
Efficiency and Innovation
Human Relations
Outstanding Government Service
Public Service
Safety and Heroism
WNCTimes