Hendersonville Fire Department honors Fore, Williams at annual awards ceremony
HENDERSONVILLE — According to a news release from the City of Hendersonville, the Hendersonville Fire Department recognized two members during its annual awards ceremony held earlier this month.
Senior Firefighter Riley Fore was presented the Firefighter of the Year Award and Lieutenant Dylan Williams was named Officer of the Year.
“These awards are especially important, because they are voted on by the men and women who make up our department,” said Hendersonville Fire Chief D. James Miller in the release. “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 after previously being a firefighter with the Fairview Fire Department. Firefighter Fore also received the Sandy Powell award from the North Carolina Breathing Equipment School, which is their top recognition.
According to the release, 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, she said.
“The fire department is the family you didn’t know you wanted or needed but you’re grateful to have,” Fore said in the release.
Williams joined the Department in June 2019, coming from the Junaluska Fire Department, where he served as a volunteer captain. Lieutenant Williams has a passion for training and being outdoors, the release said. In addition to many 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.
"We congratulate Firefighter Fore and Lieutenant Williams on their well-deserved recognition," City of Hendersonville Communications Manager Allison Justus said in the release. "Their names will be added to the Firefighter and Officer of the Year plaques displayed at Fire Station 2. "
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Hendersonville Fire Department honors two at annual awards ceremony
