News

City honors Firefighter and Officer of the Year

Lt. Dylan Williams, Senior Firefighter Riley Fore were honored as the Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year.

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 29, 2022

Senior Firefighter Riley Fore was honored as the Firefighter of the Year and Lieutenant Dylan Williams was awarded Officer of the Year during the Hendersonville Fire Department's annual awards ceremony earlier this month.

“These awards are especially important because they are voted on by the men and women who make up our department,” Hendersonville Fire Chief D. James Miller said. “Being recognized by your peers holds special significance. Both individuals make a difference in the community, but they also encourage their brothers and sisters that work alongside them.” 

Fore joined the Hendersonville Fire Department in February 2020. Previously she was a firefighter with the Fairview Fire Department. Fore also received the Sandy Powell award from the North Carolina Breathing Equipment School, which is their top recognition. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets, reading, hiking and traveling. Her favorite thing about the Hendersonville Fire Department is the relationships she builds with coworkers. “The fire department is the family you didn’t know you wanted or needed but you’re grateful to have,” she said.

Williams joined the Hendersonville Fire Department in June 2019. His previous experience included being a volunteer captain at the Junaluska Fire Department. He has a passion for training and being outdoors. In addition to others, he holds the following certifications: Fire Officer 1 and 2, Fire Instructor 1 and 2, Advanced EMT, and technical rescue training in Structural Collapse, Swiftwater, Trench Rescue, Confined Space, and Machinery & Agricultural. “I remember as a kid going to bed at night feeling safe because there were people who would take care of me – now we are those people,” he said.