Despite sustaining a serious lower leg injury in a crash last week when he was on his motorcycle, Roanoke Rapids City Councilman Curt Strickland said he plans to file to retain his seat.
Strickland, the general manager of Builders FirstSource in Roanoke Rapids, was appointed in 2023 to the District 1 council seat held by Tommy Daughtry, who stepped down because he was moving out of the district.
Strickland, who has already been through two surgeries since being transported to ECU Medical Center, was scheduled for surgery today and in the end he expects there will be a total of four, he said Monday.
He said he already has begun the application process to file for his city council seat. “It’ll be in the right hands and I’ll be on the ballot.”
Since the crash, which occurred just before 10:45 Thursday morning at Julian R. Allsbrook Highway near Hardee’s, Strickland said the outpouring has been overwhelming. “I can't describe it to you. It's just so heartwarming, you know the people care. I've had so many people offer to do anything — roll my trashcan to the street, cut my grass, take care of my dog. It’s not a spot you want to be in, but it's nothing that makes you feel any better, when your friends and your neighbors and your business associates, everybody reaches out. I can't describe it. It's really, really heartwarming to know.”
In a statement he sent over the weekend he said, “I’m in good hands, keeping my spirits high, and looking forward to a full recovery and being back home soon.”
He said, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, fire department, and EMS. The first responders arrived within minutes of the accident and showed incredible professionalism, compassion, and care. I’m also deeply grateful to the bystanders who didn’t hesitate to step in and assist until emergency crews arrived — your kindness made a world of difference.”
He said, “I will be forever thankful to Bryant 'Showtime' Green, Lesha Jordan, and John Howell for their quick, life-saving actions in those critical moments. Their courage and willingness to help without hesitation is something I’ll never forget.”
Strickland said the emergency room team at ECU North was fast and attentive during a very urgent situation, and, “I especially want to recognize Nurse Shelly, who was truly outstanding in the care and support she provided.”
To the community who has supported him, he said, “To everyone in the community who has reached out, sent well wishes, or kept me in their prayers — thank you. I am so thankful to call Roanoke Rapids home. We are truly a community built on compassion, courage, and kindness.”
