George Edwards has officially stepped into the role of Hendersonville’s new fire chief, with the announcement made at the Jan. 13 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting - a moment that marks both a personal milestone and a new chapter for the city’s fire department.
“I’m very pleased and humbled and thankful for the opportunity,” Edwards said, reflecting on the appointment. “Chief [Scotty] Bush laid an unbelievable foundation for us, and I was able to be a part of those discussions and future planning of the department. I’m very grateful to be able to take this thing forward.”
This isn’t just a new job for Edwards - it’s a full-circle moment. Born and raised in Hendersonville, he graduated from Beech High School in 1991. His connection to the fire service started early, thanks to a childhood friendship that brought him into close contact with the firehouse.
“It made a huge impression on me,” Edwards recalled. “I remember as a kid going and visiting him at the fire station, climbing on the equipment and spending time watching them leave to go on calls.”
That early exposure turned into a calling. When the Shackle Island Volunteer Fire Department launched in 1992, Edwards didn’t hesitate to get involved. As a volunteer, he found more than just a way to serve - he found his passion.
By 1995, that passion became a career. Edwards joined the Hendersonville Fire Department in September of that year, and he hasn’t looked back since.
“It was absolutely the best move for me,” he said. “No two days are the same in the fire service. It gave me the opportunity to work with these guys and have a career, something that I’m proud of.”
And proud he should be. Over the past three decades, Edwards has steadily risen through the ranks.
After earning his associate’s degree in fire science from Vol State, he was promoted to senior firefighter in 2002, captain in 2008, division chief in 2015, and assistant chief in 2023. Now, in 2026, he’s reached the top of the ladder.
“It’s been a great progression for me,” he said. “I’ve held every position in the fire department, with the exception of fire marshal and fire inspector.”
His journey mirrors the growth of the department itself. Hendersonville now operates seven fire stations and has made strides in reducing response times.
But Edwards isn’t content to stop there. He’s already looking ahead to the next phase - and it’s all about internal development.
He envisions a department with more specialized teams and advanced training opportunities. That, of course, means building the kind of infrastructure that can support that vision - starting with a dedicated training facility.
Right now, Hendersonville firefighters train a few times a year at a facility in Goodlettsville, thanks to a partnership with their neighboring department. While that’s been a helpful resource, Edwards believes it’s time for Hendersonville to have a training space of its own.
“We would love to be able to have something that we could use for ourselves,” he said. “Design it for what we need in the city, and not have to leave the city limits to be able to do hands-on physical training to promote the internal growth of our personnel. That is a big steppingstone, but unfortunately it’s a very big thing to have the city commit to.”
For Edwards, it’s not just about buildings or titles - it’s about building a legacy. One rooted in service, shaped by experience, and focused on preparing the next generation of firefighters to serve the city he’s always called home.