Emergency responders across North Carolina will honor Reems Creek Fire Chief and Buncombe County Emergency Services Assistant Supervisor Chris Dorsey as he is brought home in a procession on March 25, following his unexpected passing on March 24. The procession will travel from Winston-Salem to Buncombe County, led by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Chief Dorsey served the community for more than a decade as an assistant supervisor and paramedic with Buncombe County Emergency Services, and also contributed to the Woodfin Fire Department, Weaverville Fire Department, and the NC Urban Search and Rescue Task Force of Buncombe County. His dedication has been widely recognized among colleagues and community members.
“Chief Dorsey was a dedicated public safety professional. As the Reems Creek Fire Chief and Buncombe County EMS paramedic assistant supervisor, he served with integrity, compassion, and enthusiasm. He was committed to serving his community with a servant’s heart and always aimed to make a positive difference. He took the time to mentor others, foster connections, and support those around him. He was truly valued and well-regarded by his colleagues, partners, and friends,” said Taylor Jones, Buncombe County’s Director of Emergency Services.
The tribute will see emergency responders stationed along Interstate 40 at designated overpasses as a sign of respect for Chief Dorsey’s service. Authorities ask motorists traveling along I-40 to exercise caution during the procession by staying alert and not stopping near overpasses or emergency vehicles positioned along the route.
In other developments related to education in Buncombe County school districts during the 2022-23 school year: among senior students taking the science portion of the ACT exam, about 28.5% were considered ready for college according to state data. For juniors taking science that year, about 30.1% met college readiness standards according to state data. In reading portions of the ACT exam for seniors that year, approximately 41.1% were considered ready for college according to state data, while juniors reached about 43.2% readiness according to state data. Math results showed that among seniors taking this portion of ACT exams in Buncombe schools last year about 25.6% demonstrated college readiness according to state data, compared with roughly 32.7% of juniors meeting these standards according to state data.
Arrangements for Chief Dorsey are being managed by Groce Funeral Home.
