Saluda County mourns 2 firefighters killed by Hurricane Helene

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SALUDA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Saluda County residents are mourning two firefighters who died when a tree fell on their firetruck in the initial response to Hurricane Helene.

They’re among Hurricane Helene.

Landon Cale Bodie

Landon Cale Bodie, 19, was a volunteer with the Circle Fire Department. He died early Sept. 27 alongside Circle Fire Department Chief Chad Satcher when a tree fell on top of their truck near Batesburg-Leesville.

“His commitment to helping those in need and protecting his community was a testament to his selflessness and bravery,” his obituary read.

The Circle Fire Department was responding to one of the numerous calls for service during Hurricane Helene.

Bodie’s obituary said had just graduated this year from Blythewood High School. He was also an active member of Future Farmers of America and had a love for agriculture.

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“Landon will be ed for his warm smile, his generous spirit, and his unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community,” his obituary reads. “His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.”

He loved helping his grandfather, Wayne Bodie, with his carpentry skills “creating memories that will be cherished forever.”

“Landon had a deep connection with the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing in his spare time,” his obituary read.

Bodie leaves behind a large, caring family including his mother, stepfather, three siblings, grandparents and great-grandparents.

A funeral service was set for Bodie on Sunday, Oct. 6 at Batesburg-Leesville High School Fine Arts Center at 4 p.m.

An interment will follow at the Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery.

The funeral home says those looking to make memorials can make them to the SC Firefighters Foundation.

The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office said Lexington County will be assisting the Circle Volunteer Fire Department as they operate without a chief.

The firefighters are two of the 39 deaths in South Carolina associated with Helene as of Oct. 1, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Hurricane Helene has been characterized as one of the deadliest storms in recent U.S. history, having caused flooding, downed trees, closures and damage across the southeastern United States. The storm decimated cellular service and power for millions and has left over 170 people dead as of Oct. 2.

Chad Satcher

A funeral was held Saturday for Circle Fire Department Chief Chad Satcher.

Satcher served Saluda County for 35 years before he was killed when a tree fell on top of his truck while responding to Hurricane Helene.

Family, loved ones, and fellow first responders gathered at the Batesburg-Leesville Fine Arts Center to pay their respects to the late fire chief.

Jamie Helms, the executive director for the South Carolina State Firefighters Association, said they want to honor the sacrifice that Chief Satcher made while serving.

“This is an impactful thing anytime you have a line of duty death whether it’s law enforcement, EMS, fire, it doesn’t matter, Helms said.

“But we are honored and glad we have the opportunity to be here and this family, this fire department, this county, and this community. It’s also ing our other brothers and sisters across the state as well, it’s giving them an opportunity to have their time to grieve.”