News

City honors Officer and Firefighter of the Year

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 29, 2025

Fire Engineer Thomas Capps was named Firefighter of the Year and Battalion Chief Jon Ward received the Officer of the Year Award as the Hendersonville Fire Department recognized exceptional service and dedication of two team members during the annual awards ceremony held earlier this month. 

“These annual awards recognize firefighters and officers who consistently go above and beyond in their service to the department and the community,” Deputy Fire Chief Justin Ward said. “They reflect not just strong job performance, but leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence that sets a positive example for others.” 

Capps was selected as Firefighter of the Year for his willingness to take on new challenges when assigned to a new shift. He performed at a high level in his expanded responsibilities and was promoted through the engineer process. Capps joined the Hendersonville Fire Department in 2023 and was promoted to Engineer in November 2025. He brings prior firefighting experience from his work at Saluda and Valley Hill fire departments. 

Ward was selected for Officer of the Year for consistently exceeding his assigned duties, particularly in overseeing the department’s Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) maintenance and testing program and conducting SCBA facepiece fit testing. In addition, BC Ward supports cross-department collaboration by providing fit testing for members of the Hendersonville Police Department. He is recognized for his leadership, effective communication, and commitment to teamwork. Jon Ward started working for the Hendersonville Fire Department part-time in 2009 and joined the department in a full-time capacity in 2013. He was promoted to Battalion Chief in April of 2023 and continues to serve in a part-time capacity at Dana and Valley Hill fire departments. 

The firefighters' names have been added to the Firefighter and Officer of the Year plaques displayed at Fire Station 1.