ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) - A firefighter right from the Carolinas is making a name for himself on the International stage.

The Asheville Fire Department announced that their very own Chief Rich Rauschenbach is currently in the city of Nice, France to prepare for the Ironman World Championship. Rauschenbach is representing the United States for his age group after qualifying for the World Championship at the 2024 Ironman California.

Rauschenbach chose to become a firefighter following his experience with the September 11 attack. Rauschenbach was living in New York and was supposed to meet with a friend on the 96th floor, on the morning of the attack. His friend, who the department says is also in Nice France, had cancelled the meeting, indirectly saving their lives.

To honor fellow Ashevil

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