On Saturday, Feb. 27, Henderson was presented with the 2015 Virginia Fire Chief of the Year award for his years of selfless service to the residents and firefighters throughout Roanoke County.
The ceremony took place in Virginia Beach in front of a crowd of hundreds of first responders. Henderson was only one of two fire chiefs in the state receive the award. The other award went to Chief Steven R. Cover of the Virginia Beach Fire Department.
Henderson said he was honored to be considered in the same category, and that actually winning the award means the world to him. Originally, there was only supposed to be one chief of the year, but Henderson said since the competition was neck and neck, an exception was made, and they were both awarded.
“It was a tremendous honor,” Henderson said. “To me, it’s an honor to even be nominated in the same category as the chief from Virginia Beach, because they’re so much bigger than us.”
Chief Donnie Rickman has taken over at Fort Lewis Volunteer Department since Henderson’s retirement, and was the one who submitted his name and credentials for the award.
Rickman said he learned a lot from Henderson over the years, and has big shoes to fill.
“He’s always been like a teacher, father and brother to us,” Rickman said.
Henderson, who started volunteering at Fort Lewis in September 1975, was promoted to lieutenant during his first year with the department, and became the fire chief in 1993. Since then, he has taught many young firefighters and hazmat technicians.
Rickman said he is more than impressed with the longevity of Henderson’s career.
“There’s not that many chiefs who have that many years,” he said.
Henderson, who also worked for the Salem City Fire Department for 20 years before retiring in 2003, was responsible for fostering strong working relationships with members of other departments in Salem and Roanoke County. He said his experience pulling double time– working for one fire department and volunteering for another– allowed him to see things “from both sides of the fence.”
“You fall in love,” Henderson said in December as he was preparing for retirement. “I had no intentions whatsoever of getting in the fire service. It’s something that grew on me. I enjoy what I do, and I still enjoy it.”
Henderson has lived in the Glenvar area all of his life. He attended Glenvar Elementary School during its opening year, and was part of Glenvar High School’s first graduating class. He said his entire family lives in the area, as well.
He is also an adjunct instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs Regional Hazmat Team, and is a life member of the Virginia Association of Hazardous Materials Response Specialists.