Southern Pines Fire Department recognizes achievements during ceremony

December 14, 2025

The Southern Pines Fire Department recognized firefighters, officers, and volunteers for service and achievement during its annual Christmas party and awards ceremony held Saturday, Dec. 6.

“It was a great evening celebrating another year of dedicated service to our community and recognizing the outstanding achievements of several of our members,” writes the department on its official Facebook page. “Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night special.”

Firefighter Brandon Haynes was named the department’s 2025 Firefighter of the Year. The award, selected by department officers, honors a firefighter who “exemplifies dedication, reliability, and commitment to the mission.” Haynes was commended for his work ethic and willingness to step in wherever needed.

Deputy Fire Marshal Louis Blanchard received the 2025 Fire Officer of the Year award. Firefighters and driver-operators vote on the honor, which recognizes leadership, professionalism, and support of crews. Blanchard was praised for his positive attitude, attention to detail, and genuine care for both the community.

Several members were recognized for years of service to the town:

• Driver-Operator Austin Fowler and Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Ken Skipper were honored for 10 years of service.
• Driver-Operator Reid Lambert received a 15-year service award.
• Capt. Asa Bailey was recognized for 25 years of service.

The department also presented Past Officers Awards to members who previously served the Southern Pines Volunteer Foundation. Honorees included Deputy Chief Ted Horvath and Assistant Chief Martin Dowd, each with 17 years of service; Deputy Fire Marshal Louis Blanchard, with five years; and Firefighter Savannah Carroll, with six years.

Educational Achievement Awards were presented to Firefighter Greg Padgett for earning North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician certification and to Driver-Operator Jonathan Veitch for completing North Carolina Fire Officer certification.

Public Service Awards were awarded to Fire Chief Mike Cameron, Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Ken Skipper, Capt. Matt Davis and Firefighter Brandi Swarms for service to the department and community.

A Meritorious Unit Citation was presented to personnel from all three shifts, part-time staff, volunteers, and command staff for their response during Tropical Storm Chantal. The citation recognized coordinated efforts that helped maintain public safety during the storm.

Included in the unit award:

A-Shift:

• Battalion Chief Scott Padgett
• Captain Brandon Morris
• Lt. John Wilson
• FF Katie Tolla
• FF Matt S. Davis
• FF Anthony Strick
• FF Bradly Dick
• FF Oscar Hirengen

B-Shift:

• FF Chris White
• FF Matt Manovsky

C-Shift:

• Battalion Chief Tim Smith
• Captain Logan DeBerry (#2)
• FF Savannah Carroll
• FF Isaiah McCaskill

Part-Time Firefighters:

• Captain George Little
• FF Katrina Kenneweg

Volunteer:

• FF Savannah Carroll

Command Staff:

• Chief Mike Cameron
• Deputy Chief Ted Horvath
• Assistant Chief Ken Skipper
• Assistant Chief Martin Dowd
• Deputy Fire Marshal Louis Blanchard

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Information and photo courtesy the Southern Pines Fire Department.