During the meeting of the Conover City Council, Fire Chief J. Mark Hinson was recognized as the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs Career Fire Chief of the Year.   

The honor was announced at the group's mid-winter conference on Feb. 2.

"When we see staff like Mark and the fire department, or Gary and the Police Department and their national night out... you just need to know that the our staff is very professional and very dedicated," said Mayor Bruce Eckard. "We're proud of the job they do for all of us."