This year’s Club Community Award for Firefighter of the Year went to Jeff Conner. Jeff is a native of New Bern who all his life wanted to become a police officer — wait…a police officer? How did he become a firefighter instead? Well, here’s the story:
Jeff grew up in James City and wanted to become a police officer. He attended Craven Community College and earned a degree in Criminal Justice in August 1996. With his basic law enforcement degree, he joined the City of New Bern Police Department in October 1996.
Seeking a change, in 2011 the Fire Prevention position was posted. He applied and was hired under Chief Aster and firefighter Danny Hill as a Fire Inspector. Jeff enjoys instructing children and adults about fire safety. He is a member of the Clown Safety Troupe with the character name “HOT SHOT”!
When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family. They go camping together in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. Jeff likes most kinds of music and has been playing drums since he was a teenager. Somewhere down the road when he retires, he hopes to travel more and hike the Appalachian Trail.
Fire Inspector Conner said, “I am honored to have received this Civitan Firefighter of the Year award.”
The Club is thrilled to honor you this year, 2024, for all the demanding work you have done throughout this “second” public service career that you have chosen. Thank you.
