The emergency services community is mourning the tragic death of Dale Griffin, a longtime emergency services leader and Director of Emergency Medical Services for Nash County, who died following a drowning incident near Shackleford Banks on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
According to the Beaufort Fire Department, emergency crews responded to a report of a drowning near Shackleford Banks on Saturday. The individual involved was later identified as 60-year-old Dale Griffin of Nash County.
The Beaufort Fire Department was the first emergency response agency to arrive at the scene. Firefighters recovered Griffin from the water and immediately began resuscitation efforts. Responding crews from Harkers Island also assisted with the rescue and resuscitation operation.
Despite the efforts of the emergency personnel at the scene, Griffin was pronounced deceased shortly afterward.
Griffin’s death represents a significant loss to the emergency services community. He served as the Director of Emergency Medical Services for Nash County and was a longtime member and leader within the emergency services profession.
Throughout his career, Griffin dedicated himself to serving others and supporting the communities that relied on emergency medical services. His work touched the lives of colleagues, emergency responders and residents across Nash County and beyond.
News of his death has prompted condolences from members of the emergency services community, government officials and others who knew and worked alongside him.
The Town of Beaufort extended its sincere condolences to the Nash County EMS and Nash County Government communities, while also recognizing the emergency personnel who responded to the incident and made every effort to save Griffin.
For those who knew Dale, his passing is not only the loss of a respected emergency services leader but also the loss of a colleague, friend and dedicated public servant.
As his family, friends and fellow emergency responders mourn, they are being remembered in the thoughts and prayers of the communities he served.
Dale Griffin will be remembered for his dedication to emergency medical services and his commitment to helping others. May he rest in peace, and may his family, friends and colleagues find strength and comfort during this difficult time.