U.S. Rep. Moore praises Boy Scouts for putting out Casar church fire in weekly update

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

Moore praised the Boy Scouts from Matthews who were traveling through Cleveland County on their way to Camp Grimes when they saw flames coming from the side of Cavalry's Cross Church. Courtesy photo

In his weekly newsletter, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore, 14th Congressional District, which includes Cleveland County, lauded the quick reaction of boy scouts traveling through Upper Cleveland on their way to Camp Grimes. The teenagers saw flames coming from Cavalry's Cross Church and stopped to extinguish the fire.

The night of Oct. 17, sometime between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., intentional fires were set at two separate churches in Casar, North Carolina. Deputies from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office responded alongside local fire departments and the Cleveland County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Moore

"These young men didn’t hesitate," Moore said in his statement. "They pulled over, grabbed the water bottles and drinks they had packed for the trip, and started working together to put out the flames. Their troop leader said that at one point, the flames were shoulder height. Thanks to their quick thinking and resourcefulness, they helped stop the fire before it could spread and cause serious damage."

He went on to praise the entire organization, stating, "This is exactly what the Boy Scouts of America stand for — being prepared, stepping up in the moment, and serving others without being asked. These Scouts set a powerful example for all of us. They didn’t wait for someone else to act. They saw a need, and they took responsibility."

Moore added, "I’m proud of these young men for their courage and presence of mind." He also stated how he had hope for the next generation with the type of moral obligation and leadership displayed by the boy scouts is the type of characteristics that should be encouraged in the younger population.

"Casar is lucky to have had them passing through that day," he said.

The affected churches were Tabernacle Baptist Church on Corinth Church Road and Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church on Mt. Zion Church Road. Both buildings sustained damage believed to be caused by arson. Fortunately, quick-thinking citizens noticed the fires early and were able to extinguish them before significant damage occurred.

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Following an extensive investigation, on Oct. 24, deputies arrested Craig Vegh, age 40, of Casar, NC. Vegh has been charged with two counts of Burning of Church/Religious Establishment, Possession of Methamphetamine and Destroying/Altering Evidence. He is currently being held at the Cleveland County Detention Center under $500,000 bond.

Although an arrest was made, the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4822 or Cleveland County Crime Stoppers at (704) 481-8477. Tips submitted through Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous.

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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent. 

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