News

City fire department promotes Ward

Jon Ward, his sister, Jessica Ward, and brother, Justin Ward.

By Bill Moss, Published: July 18, 2014

Lifelong firefighter Jon Ward was promoted to Engineer with the Hendersonville Fire Department on July 1.
Ward credits his father, Eddie Ward, for his love of the fire service.

Growing up in Green River, Ward recalls his father talking about house fires, wrecks and other emergencies where the fire department helped those in need and he wanted to be a part of that and help the community.
Ward, who has an Associate degree in forestry management technology, began his fire service career as a junior firefighter with the Green River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department and over the years has held several positions there, most recently 2nd captain. He also worked for the Dana Fire & Rescue Department for four years, achieving the rank of lieutenant before coming to the Hendersonville Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT in January 2013. He continues to work part time for the N.C. Forestry Service as a firefighter.
Tripp FrancisThe engineer's post became vacant with the retirement of Tripp Francis under a new city policy allowing early retirement. Francisretired on July 1 after 29 years of service with the Fire Department. He began his fire service career as a junior with the Etowah Horseshoe Volunteer Fire Department in 1977 and became a volunteer with the Hendersonville Fire Department in 1978. He became a fulltime firefighter for Hendersonville Fire Department in 1985 and was promoted to the engineer in 1992.