Two retiring Hendersonville police officers were honored Wednesday for their service to the city.

The Hendersonville Police Department held its annual award luncheon Wednesday at Bay Breeze Restaurant, where they also recognized the retiring officers.

Capt. Bruce Simonds, head of the patrol services bureau, is retiring after nearly 30 years with the department. Hired in 1990, he was promoted to Police Officer II in 1995 and to master patrol officer in 1998.

Two years later he was promoted to lieutenant. In 2012, Simonds was named captain of the patrol services bureau, a position he held until retirement.

Standing in front of many of his colleagues Wednesday, Simonds thanked the Lord for keeping him safe for 28 years and eight months of service, as well as his wife and the city for everything they gave him.

“The city of Hendersonville has been good to me,” Simonds said. “I love it and I thank them for everything I’ve done here.”

Retired officer Jeff “Tank” Tankersley began his law enforcement career with the Asheville Police Department, where he served for 10 years. He then worked in probation for the N.C. Department of Public Safety from 2000 to 2012, serving as a reserve officer with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office in that timeframe. He joined the Hendersonville Police Department in 2012.

Chief Herbert Blake reflected on the careers of both officers.

“I hate to see both of these guys go,” Blake said. “Life is about how you come and how you go, more so than anything else. I want to make sure everybody in here understands how much I appreciate the service that Bruce Simonds provided as a captain... He was as dedicated as anybody could ever be.”

“Tank loved this police department,” Blake added. “He always volunteered to do things that we couldn’t get other to volunteer to do. This is a tremendous day in the history of the city’s police department because we’re losing two indelible personalities that will never be replaced.”

HPD awards

The 2018 award recipients were also honored, after being selected by their peers.

2019 Lifesaving Award – Officer Cameron Singleton

Chief’s Award for School Crossing Guard – Julia Alston

Chief’s Award for Outstanding Team – Team 2

Lt. Dale Patton
Sergeant Bruce Darrah
Officer Michele Hoyle
Officer Zeffrey Childress
Officer Adalberto Morales

Reserve Employee of the Year – Reserve Telecommunicator Olivia Orr

Telecommunicator of the Year – Tiffany Henderson

Rookie of the Year – Officer Austin Putnam

Inez Norman Award for Excellence - Office Personnel of the Year – Melissa Justus

Detective of the Year – Nathan Smith

Bill Powers Leadership Award – Supervisor of the Year – Lt. Jimmy Case

Police Officer of the Year – Officer Colby Allman