LOCAL

Hendersonville Fire Department's Christian Miller promoted to captain

Staff Writer
Hendersonville Times-News
Christian Jericho Miller

The Hendersonville Fire Department has announced the promotion of Christian Jericho Miller from the rank of lieutenant to captain. The promotion took effect Saturday.

“Capt. Miller is an asset to our team and the community we serve,” said Hendersonville Fire Chief Joseph Vindigni. “He is a proven leader who has shown a special interest in the training needs and futures of those he supervises as well as others throughout the department.”

Miller began his fire service career in 2006 as a volunteer firefighter with Tryon Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter, training officer, captain and assistant chief.

In 2009 he became a full-time (career) firefighter with Fairview Fire & Rescue.

Miller joined the Hendersonville Fire Department in October 2013 and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in August 2014.

In the past, Miller has served as the department’s training officer and played an integral role in coordinating and tracking the extensive amount of training and certifications fire personnel are required to have.

Miller’s recent promotion will allow him to continue to lead the engine company assigned to Engine 1 on B-shift.

In order to serve as a captain at HFD, personnel must hold the following certifications in addition to various hazmat, driving and incident management training: N.C. certification as a Firefighter Level II, Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Inspector Level I, Fire Instructor Level II, Driver Operator Pumps, Driver Operator Aerials, Fire Officer II and Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician.

Applicants must complete additional requirements in the Fire Captain Standard Operating Guidelines.

Miller has far exceeded the educational standards required by this position by obtaining an associate’s degree in Fire Science and a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management with a concentration in Fire Science. He is currently pursuing his master’s in Organizational Leadership.

Outside of his service to the city of Hendersonville, Miller serves at Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue as a fire captain and a member of its Board of Directors.