Friends of King Family Library remembers 2016 Great Smoky Mountain wildfires

The Friends of King Family Library (FoKFL) Lifelong Learning series continue with a program remembering the 3rd anniversary of the 2016 Great Smoky Mountain wildfires. Allen E. Robbins, Superintendent of Sevier County Electric System (SCES) will be guest speaker on November 14 from 5:30-7:00 pm at the King Family Library, 408 High Street, Sevierville.

Robbins, serving as superintendent only four months prior to this tragic event, will share the harrowing story of the wildfires behind his newly released book, Trial by Fire: A True Story of Courage and Bravery. A Story not often Told (written with Suzanne Shelton).

‘Many stories and articles have been written about the 2016 Great Smoky Mountain wildfires – how they happened and the bravery of the first responders. But not much has been written about the first responders for the first responders: the Sevier County Electric System linemen. Without these men putting themselves in harm’s way — literally going into the depths of a fiery hell — downed power lines laying across roads would have prevented emergency crews from getting to the fire, and prevented panicked citizens from getting out. Without these men risking their lives to get electricity running again to critical water pump stations, the firemen wouldn’t have had all the water they needed to prevent the fires from consuming downtown Gatlinburg.’ – Robbins, H. with Shelton, S. (2019), Trial by Fire.

Robbins is a lifelong Sevier County resident and a 1985 graduate of Sevier County High School. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Cumberland College in 1990. He has worked for the Sevier County Electric System since 1991 and became SCES Superintendent in 2016. Robbins is married to Jachar Lyons and they have three children together.

The program is open to the public and free of charge. A reception with light refreshments will be from 5:30-6:00 pm. Copies of the book will be available for sale during the event with proceeds going to Sevier County charities to continue helping families rebuild. For additional information, please call 865-453-3532 or visit the Circulation Desk at the King Family Library.

Published October 29, 2019