News

City honors firefighters of the year

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 10, 2022

The Hendersonville Fire Department recognized two members during the annual awards ceremony held before the holidays.

Firefighter Chris Norrington was presented the Firefighter of the Year award and Lt. John Herring was awarded Officer of the Year.

“Both of these individuals go above and beyond for our department and the City of Hendersonville,” said Fire Chief D. James Miller. “These awards are especially significant because the men and women who make up our department select the honorees.”

Norrington joined the Fire Department in 2021 and has made a big impact in a short amount of time. He was selected for the award because of his love for the fire service, positive attitude and passion for serving the community. Norrington has accelerated through the probationary period, receiving high scores on his written and practical exams. An example from a nomination form describes his work ethic: “Firefighter Norrington took it upon himself to clean the chains that are located on Engine 9, a task that may seem burdensome to others. Firefighter Norrington wanted to ensure that every piece of equipment on the apparatus was in the best shape possible.”

Herring joined the department full-time in 2015. At the beginning of his career, he participated in a ride-along, attended the fire academy and has worked his way through the ranks, achieving the rank of lieutenant in 2020. Lt. Herring walks into the station with a great attitude and is someone that members go to for advice. He is always training with his crew and shift and serves as a mentor to other firefighters. “He leads from the front and is the first to volunteer for tasks that need to be completed," his nomination said.

The names of Firefighter Norrington and Lt. Herring will be added to the Firefighter and Officer of the Year plaques displayed at Fire Station 2.