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Knights honor six first responders

Knights of Columbus Shield Award winners are Valley Hill Fire & Rescue Chief Tim Garren, Henderson County Sheriff's Lt. Jordan Warren, Assistant EMS Supervisor James Kanupp, Hendersonville Fire Department Battalion Chief Dustin A. Nicholson, Hendersonville Police Officer Jacob Smith and Etowah-Horse Shoe Fire & Rescue Capt. Heather Huggins.

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 1, 2024

The Hendersonville Knights of Columbus Council 7184 presented the 32nd annual Shield Awards on April 25 to law officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who show exemplary community service and dedication to serving the public.

Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk, Henderson County Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca McCall and City Council member Jennifer Hensley attended the ceremony to honor this year’s award winners. Recipients of the 2024 Shield Awards were:

• Chief Tim Garren, Valley Hill Fire & Rescue. Garren joined Valley Hill Fire Rescue at the age of 14 as a junior firefighter and served as a volunteer until 2000, when he transitioned into the career staff. He has been instrumental in growing the career staff from six to 31 full-time career firefighters. In addition to his position as Valley Hill chief, he has been the president of the Henderson County Fire Rescue Association for several years.
• Jordan Warren, Henderson County Sheriff's Office. “Jordan will do anything asked of him and goes over and beyond with
  any task,” sheriff’s Capt. Alan Corn said. “Jordan does not seek praise or recognition for himself ever. … Jordan has endured personal loss with the passing of his very young son. Most would become bitter, angry, upset, and let the tragedy define them. Not Jordan. Through all this, he was the same person he always was and is, inspiring others to just be better human beings.”
• Assistant Supervisor James Kanupp, Henderson County Emergency Medical Services. A paramedic for more than 17 years, Kanupp “always provides excellent patient care and compassion to his patients,” EMS Director Mike Barnett said. A supervisor on a Quick Response Vehicle team that responds to high acuity calls, he also serves as a leader on the STAR team, made up of tactically trained paramedics who respond with the sheriff’s SWAT team and the Rescue Squad’s technical rescue team, and on the EMS bike team, which provides medical support for mass gatherings such as the Apple Festival.
• Battalion Chief Dustin A Nicholson, Hendersonville Fire Department. Chief Nicholson stepped up and performed the duties of the deputy fire chief when there was a vacancy. Responsible for fire hydrant maintenance and coordinating all apparatus maintenance and repairs, he sits on numerous committees including SOG, Truck and Equipment, and on the Peer Support Team. “Without his dedication to our organization, we would not be able to provide exceptional service to the citizens and visitors of our community,” Chief D. James Miller said. “If that wasn’t enough, he finds the time to be the fire chief at Green River Fire & Rescue Department, protecting the community in which he lives and raises his family.”
• Officer Jacob Smith, Hendersonville Police Department. Officer Smith recently earned the North Carolina Justice Academy Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Certificate, a 500-hour training program. A key member of the new Traffic Safety Team, he takes a proactive approach to enforcing moving violations to promote safer driving practices. “Through his focus on traffic safety, we have seen a decrease in the overall numbers of motor vehicle crashes since 2021,” Chief Blair Myhand said. “He is helping drive those numbers down and making our streets safer every day. Officer Smith embodies our mission of ‘serving with excellence’ in everything he does.”
• Heather Huggins, Etowah-Horse Shoe Fire & Rescue, Volunteer Award. A volunteer since 2006, Huggins holds several certifications including Firefighter II and EMT, serves as medical coordinator, vice president of the Board of Directors and recording secretary. She has also been recognized for running the most calls for several years running.