Statesville Fire Department Honors Members at Annual Awards Banquet

STATESVILLE, NC – The Statesville Fire Department hosted its annual Awards Banquet early this month at the Statesville Civic Center. The event brought together firefighters, their families, city officials, retired firefighters, and distinguished guests to recognize the department’s outstanding achievements and honor its dedicated members.

Fire Chief Glenn Kurfees opened the evening by recognizing the department’s key accomplishments in 2024, including:

• Successfully obtaining reaccreditation
• Completion and occupation of the new Fire Station 1
• 14,000+ hours of training logged
• Fire and life safety programs reaching more than 12,000 residents
• 271 smoke and CO detectors installed
• 115 car seat safety checks conducted
• 826 inspections completed, 158 plans reviewed, and 160 permits issued

“These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our employees, whose commitment allows us to provide exceptional service to the community,” said Chief Kurfees.

Pinning Ceremony

A highlight of the evening was the Pinning Ceremony, recognizing members for promotions and new roles within the department.

• Lieutenant Promotions: Shane Schantzenbach and Bryan Morris
• New Firefighters: Avery Blevins and Jason Sendlenwski

New Employees Recognized

New hires recognized during the event included:

• Heather Gessler – Fire and Life Safety Educator
• Samantha Moose – Accreditation Manager
• Joseph Campo – Part-Time Fire Inspector

Career Development

Career development recognitions were awarded to the following:

• Master Lieutenant: Tony Armstrong, Trever Cardea, Brent Jones, and Garry Ladd
• Master Firefighter: Bryan Morris and Samuel Speaks
• Firefighter 1: Chase Anderson, Jon Bajek, Robert Bryden, Stephen Church, Jeffery Edwards, Ryan Franklin, Ryan Harrison, and Amanda Trotta

Years of Service

Fire department members recognized for their years of service included:

• Five Years: Noah Armstrong, Hunter Baynes, Jacob Belk, Coty Brown, Tanner Goodin, Richard Gregory, Jennifer Horvath, Stephen Lanier, Steven Moore, Hunter Shook, Samuel Speaks, and Hunter Swicegood
• Fifteen Years: Rawdy Cox, Justin Elam, and Troy Josey
• Twenty-Five Years: Jason Myrick and David Tomlin
• Thirty-Five Years: Frank Quick

Retirements

Lieutenant William Wilson retired in December 2024 and was honored for his years of service.

Firefighter & Officer of the Year

The Firefighter of the Year award was presented to Firefighter Adam Sparks for his outstanding dedication, performance, and service to the department and the community.

The Officer of the Year award was presented to Battalion Chief Aaron Kennedy in recognition of his leadership, commitment, and contributions to the success of the department.

Special Recognition

A special recognition was given to Jason Myrick, Zach Hinson, Travis Akins, Hunter Swicegood, David Tomlin, Landon Russ, Jeffery Edwards, William Lagle, and Garry Ladd for their deployment to Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene in October. Chief Kurfees commended their dedication, stating, “When our neighbors were in need, you didn't hesitate. You left your families and homes, stepping into uncertain and dangerous conditions to bring relief and hope to those affected by the storm. Your professionalism and compassion made an impact that will not be forgotten.”

Closing

Deputy Chief Kyle Bell closed the evening with a message on pride, leadership, and teamwork. “Every single one of you plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Whether you're on the front lines, training, or providing support behind the scenes, you are the heart and soul of this department. It is our collective effort that makes the Statesville Fire Department what it is today.”

Bell reinforced the department’s core values, stating, “We are The Statesville Fire Department,” a legacy of service since 1876. He encouraged all members to embrace leadership, regardless of rank, and to seek opportunities to train, mentor, and innovate.

The 2025 Statesville Fire Department Awards Banquet was a night of reflection, gratitude, and celebration—honoring the courage, dedication, and selflessness of the men and women who serve the City of Statesville.

For more information on the Statesville Fire Department, visit www.statesvillenc.net/fire.