"When we were requested to respond and help our neighbors in Brunswick County, we didn’t hesitate," Thurston said. "There have been many times when we’ve been the ones who needed help, and our brothers and sisters in the fire service have never failed to show up when we needed them. (Tuesday) morning we got to repay the favor. While our folks are home now, our thoughts and prayers remain with those dealing with the deadly effects.” John Stephenson, Wilmington Fire Department's battalion chief of special operations, has worked for the department for almost 22 years. He is now in charge of the Regional Response Team.