Service, dedication recognized at Morganton Public Safety promotions

Promotion ceremonies with the Morganton Department of Public Safety (MDPS) come around twice a year, meaning hard-working officers and firefighters must wait patiently for their upward mobility to be recognized.

Three public safety officers (PSO) and two firefighters received their promotions Wednesday with a variety of titles distributed over the afternoon event.

Chief Ryan Lander began the ceremony, welcoming families and inviting Chaplain Jasper Hemphill to the stage for a quick prayer.

“Each of these promotions represents more than a change in title,” Lander said after Hemphill concluded. “They signify excellence in leadership, service under pressure, and a deep commitment to public safety.”

Lander called Assistant Chief Keith Bowman and Assistant Chief Israel Gibson to the podium for the presentation of personnel and their respective title changes. Bowman spoke first, providing background on each of the officers and firefighters.

“It looks like a good day for a promotion,” he said. “On a personal level, getting to have conversations with each of those [men], during the day, prior to the weekend — the city is in great hands. Public safety is in phenomenal hands.”

Bowman first acknowledged Lt. Nick Edwards’ promotion to captain. Starting as a public safety officer in July 2007, Edwards maintained a variety of roles ranging from instructor to armorer to sniper for the MDPS SWAT team.

The second acknowledgement, Sgt. Eric Connor, received a promotion to lieutenant. Connor started his tenure as a public safety officer in 2013, achieving different ranks in the department, including Honor Guard and SWAT operator.

Bowman’s last officer recognition, PSO Corey Holland, spent his time as a SWAT operator and narcotics investigator before working as a law enforcement general instructor since 2023. Holland received the rank of sergeant.

Following the public safety promotions, Gibson took the podium to acknowledge and commend the two firefighters receiving the title of fire engineer: Kyle Clark and Hunter McCall.

Gibson explained that fire engineers serve a newer role in the MDPS. Introduced in the last two or three years, fire engineers function as informal supervisors, acting as the first line of supervision and driving force on the ground.

“Both men’s dedication, discipline, and deep sense of service have made a lasting impact on our department and to our community,” Gibson said.

Clark, a second-generation firefighter, pursued firefighting of his own accord. His passion is evident in his choice of free time outside of MDPS: volunteering and working part-time at Salem Fire Rescue and Triple Community Fire Department, respectively.

Although McCall is a first-generation firefighter, he holds a similar enthusiasm for the profession, working for both the West End Fire Department and Black Mountain Fire Department.

“From the moment both of these men joined the department,” Gibson said, “it has been very clear that they were here for more than just the job, but here for the mission … [They] quickly distinguished themselves through their strong work ethic, and they embody the best of what it means to wear this badge.”

Following the presentations, Captain Brown invited family members and loved ones to pin badges on the newly promoted officers and fire engineers. After taking their oaths, each man spoke, with many joking that they weren’t public speakers, but all shared their appreciation of the promotions.

Lander closed the ceremony with final commendations and words of aspiration.

“This is not the end of your journey, but the next chapter,” he said. “The work ahead will not always be easy, but I have no doubt that each of you will approach it with skill, dedication, and the heart that has gotten you here.”