First-Responder Concerns Halted by Yet Another Leach Outburst

Firefighters concerned that chronically low-water pressure is endangering lives and property went unheard.

Hoke County Commission Chairman James Leach’s outburst that, “You have no relationship with the truth at all,” stopped Rockfish resident, veteran and volunteer firefighter Ken Gregory mid-sentence as he addressed the board about chronically low water pressure and the life-threatening danger it presents. Currently volunteers are forced to wait unduly long times for tanks to fill or look for sources other than hydrants while property burns and lives hang in the balance. When someone in the audience pointed out the commissioner isn’t allowed to interrupt a constituent, Leach threatened, “If you keep talking, you’re going to have to leave.”

Gregory wasn’t the first to speak to commissioners on a situation becoming more dangerous by the day. He was preceded by Ryan McClymonds, Rockfish resident, military veteran and father. He served for seven years as a volunteer fireman and quit only recently after growing concerns that one night he wouldn’t return home to his family after helping a neighbor in distress.

McClymonds also explained to commissioners that the lack of standard water pressure was endangering property and, more importantly, lives. He asked the commissioners to consider infrastructure improvements, including water, a higher priority than new developments and deluxe government structures.

After being interrupted by Leach, Gregory asked the commissioners how much they owed Cumberland County for water. Commissioner Allen Thomas quickly responded, “Cumberland County, none.” Technically Thomas is correct. Hoke County purchases water from the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC)—so much so that according to The News-Journal it paid a $2.5 million assessment this year for exceeding the contract’s allotment. In 2022 the county paid PWS nearly $20 million for water.

Gregory’s slight inaccuracy and the commission’s newfound ability to deflect the concern drew smirks and laughter from the elected officials. Witnessing the irreverence was enough for McClymonds, who got up to leave the meeting, but not before announcing his departure in colorful language.

“Hey, get his name,” Commission Vice Charmain Harry Southerland told Gwen McGougan, commission clerk. “Get his name, Gwen. You got his name?”

The News-Journal reports that later in the meeting Commissioner Thomas said, “…at some point, we may need metal detectors before we come in here.” Response to that comment on social media was fast, with one parent remarking they should require clear backpacks, after all, that policy is sufficient enough to protect Hoke County schoolchildren.

Leach’s outbursts at public meetings have become more frequent in the year he’s facing stiff opposition in a battle to win his ninth term as a Hoke County Commissioner. In May he ejected a voter during a public meeting after she voiced concern over the county’s refusal to release public records. “You’re not able to speak at all,” he shouted. Ultimately, he said, “Bring the sheriff in, bring the sheriff in, we got (sic) to take you out.”

Commission Vice Chairman Harry Southerland underscored the order with, “Bring the sheriff in, remove her now. Who else wants to go? Before we get started, who else wants to go?”

The constituent was later allowed to return, but require to remain in silence.

The lack of water pressure is a recurring complaint on social media in Hoke County. According to first responders it’s a potentially deadly situation. Whether or not the underwriters uncover the remains to be seen, but if they do Hoke County residents and businesses should plan for significant increases in insurance premiums.

And don’t forget to get your “Fire Leach ‘24” T-shirts while they last.