WNC man who died heroically during Hurricane Helene is honored at National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Widow Mary Garrison says his strong willingness to help was part of his DNA.
'He was just a simple man; that's just the way he lived his life. He loved his family, and he's truly missed,' she told Queen City News.
More than seven months after the disaster, her husband was among those honored at the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend in Maryland.
Tony's family and fellow Fairview firefighters attended in his memory.
'To have him honored this way, I'm blessed to be able to travel up there and to be able to attend the service,' said Mary.
The tribute remembered 70 first responders who died in the line of duty last year, and 70 more who died in previous years.
'That's just what embodies the values of fire service,' said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Association. 'That's why it's so important to commemorate these men and women who have served so bravely and courageously.'
Garrison stepped up on September 27th of 2024, one of the darkest days imaginable
'He went running out the door, there was no 'Goodbye,' there was no 'Be careful,' he went to do what he was trained to do,' Mary remembers.
While Tony searched for loved ones during the storm with nephew Brandon Ruppe, both were overwhelmed by flooding and landslides and lost their lives.
Tony's son Dylan was also with them, but somehow, he survived.
'He said, 'We were under the water.' He said, 'I couldn't breathe.' He said, 'I couldn't move.' He's a miracle, my son is a miracle,' says Mary, reflecting on the wide range of emotions.
That day, a total of 13 were killed in the Garren Creek community. Tony was one of 11 from the same family who died in the area known as Craigtown.
The victims included Lois and Jimmy Souther, and Dan and Evelyn Wright.
Months later, the Garrison family's bittersweet journey led to a somber ceremony, where fallen firefighters were announced.
'Tony Ray Garrison, Fairview Volunteer Fire Department incorporated,' his family heard, before being presented with a folded American flag.
Mary accepted it with their children Hannah and Dylan by her side.
'I'm honored to do that for him, and for his memory, absolutely,' she says.
'Truthfully, that's the only thing that gives me comfort, is that I know [Tony] was doing what [he was trained to do],' said Mary.
Garrison was one of 11 North Carolina first responders honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
Mary holds onto many memories of good times from their wedding day, moments with their family, and fishing. She even sent us a photo of him cutting his spaghetti with a pair of scissors.
Tony's love of life was matched by his sense of humor.
'We had a first date that I will never forget. He took me bowling, but it was with his whole family. For a first date, I thought, 'Wow!''
Perhaps that first date was telling, because throughout his life, family mattered most.
That's why at the height of disaster, Tony Garrison sprang to action.
'That was just a testament to the kind of person he was… he was going to help anybody that he could have,' Mary says.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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