Community News

Commissioners, NC Legislature, Long Leaf Pine Order honor Waldrup

State Rep. Jennifer Balkcom presented Kevin Waldrup with a resolution from the N.C. General Assembly.

By Bill Moss, Published: March 14, 2026

Kevin Waldrup, a firefighter for 45 years, was honored on Wednesday during the regular meeting of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners — and not just by the county.

As a volunteer firefighter and county fire marshal, Waldrup was among the core of emergency service leaders who led the response to the Party Rock and Poplar Drive wildfires, the coronavirus pandemic and Hurricane Helene among other major incidents. 

On Wednesday morning county commissioners recognized Waldrup with a Resolution of Appreciation, state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom presented a resolution from the N.C. General Assembly and county commission Chair Bill Lapsley announced that Gov. Josh Stein had honored the recently retired fire marshal with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

A native of Henderson County, Waldrup graduated from Edneyville High School and attended Blue Ridge Community College.

He started his fire service career in 1981 as a volunteer firefighter with Edneyville Fire & Rescue, rising through the ranks to serve as department chief and more recently interim chief. He currently serves on the department's Board of Directors. Assistant fire marshal from 2004 through 2008, he returned in 2016 to become the county’s third fire marshal, retiring on Feb. 28.

The resolution went on to say:
WHEREAS, during his time at the Fire Marshal’s Office Kevin served as the Chief Fire Code Official, overseeing the inspections and prevention program. He was the first Fire Marshal in Henderson County to earn the Certified Fire Investigator designation from the International Association of Arson Investigators.
WHEREAS, Kevin has supported Emergency Management in many capacities during his tenure, he earned his Associate Emergency Management Certification and has been a reliable leader during many significant responses. He led a team of responders on the deployment to Texas for Hurricane Harvey, and provided leadership during the coronavirus pandemic, Poplar Drive Wildfire, Hurricane Helene and many other incidents.
WHEREAS, through his dedication and hard work, the Henderson County Fire Marshal’s Office, as well as Henderson County as a whole, has continued to grow and progress from his knowledge and leadership.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Kevin Waldrup is being appreciated upon his retirement from Henderson County on February 28, 2026. Kevin has made many invaluable contributions to Henderson County and will be remembered as a great leader in all the roles in which he has served. Henderson County appreciates and commends you on a job well done.