Tyler Fire Department holds 34th Annual Awards Banquet

Published on May 29, 2026

The Tyler Fire Department held its 34th Annual Awards Banquet on May 29 at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center of Tyler. Awards were handed out for life-saving, teamwork, bravery, and going above and beyond the call of duty. The banquet was emceed by Senior Captain Jeremy Driver, who recognized retirees, promotions, and awards falling in the following categories:

Legends Award:

· Ken Culpepper - retired January 8th, 2022 with 35 years of service

· Morgan Herron – retired February 7th, 2020 with 32 years of service

Innovation Award:

· Deputy Fire Marshal Jay McClung

Teamwork Award:

· Captain Jeff Hudgens

· Driver Engineer Todd Lane.

Appreciation Award:

· Liz McCabe

Friend of the Department:

· Tyler Police Department Sergeant Chuck Boyce

· Tyler Police Department Officer Justin Lambert

Leadership Award:

· Driver Engineer Matthew Daniel

· Deputy Fire Marshal Randy Lee

Life Saving Award:

· Acting Captain Ben Missildine

· Acting Driver Engineer Brian Tribbey

· Firefighter Liam Harbuck

Life Saving Award:

· Senior Captain Jeremy Driver

· Firefighter Mason Edney

· Firefighter Cutter Leipply

Civilian Life Saving Award

· UT-EMS Paramedic Jordan Wright

· UT-EMS EMT Kenni Fleets

Officer of the Year:

· Captain Daniel Barker

Firefighter of the Year:

· Captain Ben Missildine

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