12/12/2025
SOUTHERN PINES RECOGNIZES FIREFIGHTERS AT ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
On Saturday, December 6, the Southern Pines Fire Department gathered for our annual Christmas Party and Awards Ceremony. It was a great evening celebrating another year of dedicated service to our community and recognizing the outstanding achievements of several of our members. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night special.
2025 Firefighter of the Year
Firefighter Brandon Haynes
This award is voted on each year by the department’s officers, recognizing the firefighter who best exemplifies dedication, reliability, and commitment to the mission. Brandon is a dependable and hardworking firefighter who consistently steps up to do whatever is needed and whatever is asked of him. He takes great pride in his work, and his commitment to the job shows in everything he does.
2025 Fire Officer of the Year
Deputy Fire Marshal Louis Blanchard
This award is voted on by the firefighters and driver/operators, honoring the officer who demonstrates exceptional leadership, professionalism, and support for the crews. Louis brings a level of dedication and professionalism that elevates every project he touches. His positive attitude, attention to detail, and genuine care for both the community and his fellow department members make him a standout leader in SPFD.
Years of Service Awards
These awards honor commitment, professionalism, and years of steady service to the Town of Southern Pines:
10 Years of Service
• Driver/Operator Austin Fowler
• Assistant Chief / Fire Marshal Ken Skipper
15 Years of Service
• Driver/Operator Reid Lambert
25 Years of Service
• Captain Asa Bailey
Past Officers Award
This award honors those who served the Southern Pines Volunteer Foundation with leadership and pride:
• Deputy Chief Ted Horvath (17 Years)
• Assistant Chief Martin Dowd (17 Years)
• Deputy Fire Marshal Louis Blanchard (5 Years)
• Firefighter Savannah Carroll (6 Years)
Educational Achievement Awards
North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician
• Firefighter Greg Padgett
North Carolina Fire Officer
• Driver/Operator Jonathan Veitch
Public Service Awards
Presented to members who provided exceptional service to the department and community:
• Fire Chief Mike Cameron
• Assistant Chief / Fire Marshal Ken Skipper
• Captain Matt Davis
• Firefighter Brandi Swarms
Meritorious Unit Citation – Tropical Storm Chantal
Awarded to personnel who demonstrated exemplary service during Tropical Storm Chantal. Recipients included members from all three shifts, part-time staff, and the volunteer division whose teamwork ensured our community remained safe during the storm.
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
(Images by SPFD)
12/11/25