Volunteers with Grants Supermarket went to White Sulphur Springs last Thursday to assist with clean-up efforts in the town. Shown here are Christina Rose, Michelle Darden, Grants co-owner Ron Martin and Pam Carter.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — In the wake of a ravaging flood that left White Sulphur Springs devastated, two all-terrain vehicle side-by-sides became invaluable tools for responders aiding in recovery efforts.
But the story of who loaned the ATVs, who received them, and their role in clean-up endeavors is a tale of hometown ties that lead back to Mercer County.
White Sulphur Springs Police Chief John Pauley is a Mercer County native who spent much of his career with the West Virginia State Police Princeton and Welch detachments. Months after his retirement in December 2013, Pauley became the chief law enforcement officer for Spa City.
Shortly after raging floodwaters decimated the Greenbrier County town on June 23, Pauley spoke with Dennis Coronado, who brought in a load of donations for those affected by the disaster. Near the end of their conversation, the Coronado handed Pauley his business card, which noted he was a sales manager for a company that represents Can-Am ATVs.
Coronado asked if the town needed anything else, to which Pauley jokingly responded, “Got a side-by-side?”
The next day, Pauley was surprised to receive a call…