The City of Cynthiana is proud to recognize the promotion of two new Assistant Fire Chiefs, whose combined experience, leadership, and commitment to service strengthen the future of the Fire Department and the community it serves.
Both leaders bring years of dedication to the fire service, deep ties to the department, and a shared focus on training, safety, and community connection.
A Career Built on Service
Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Hill began his fire service career in 1999 as a volunteer with the Northern Harrison Rural Fire Department. Over the years, he advanced through leadership roles, including Captain and Assistant Chief, before joining the Cynthiana Fire Department full-time in 2008 as an Engineer EMT. His steady progression continued with a promotion to Lieutenant in 2023 and, most recently, Assistant Fire Chief.
Assistant Fire Chief Kris Caswell entered the fire service in 2005 as a volunteer before joining the Cynthiana Fire Department in 2018. Since then, he has steadily advanced, earning the rank of Lieutenant in 2022 and now stepping into his new role as Assistant Fire Chief.
Inspired by Family and Community
For both leaders, firefighting is deeply personal.
Hill credits his introduction to the fire service to family influence and early exposure to volunteer firefighting, which sparked his curiosity and ultimately led him to a lifelong career.
Caswell describes firefighting as a family tradition, with generations of relatives serving before him- an influence that shaped his decision to follow the same path.
Stepping Into Leadership
While both Assistant Fire Chiefs have long served the department, the promotion represents a meaningful new chapter.
Hill shared that stepping into this role required pushing beyond his comfort zone, but he sees it as an opportunity to serve both the department and the City with integrity and experience. He emphasized that leadership means remaining calm under pressure and setting the tone for others, especially during emergency responses.
“If you’re comfortable, it’s time to venture out and challenge yourself,” Hill said. “The Fire Department needs people to step up, and I feel like I can do a good job with the experience I’ve gained over the years.”
Caswell views the position as an opportunity to help maintain the positive momentum already underway within the department. He expressed pride in serving alongside his team and appreciation for the support of his family, who share in his accomplishment.
“We’re on a good path,” Caswell said. “I really want to keep the pace going that we have here and help the department continue moving forward.”
Priorities for the Department
As they begin their new roles, both Assistant Fire Chiefs are focused on strengthening the department internally while continuing to serve the community.
Hill identified morale and leadership presence as key priorities, noting the importance of creating a workplace where firefighters feel valued, motivated, and supported.
Caswell emphasized training and operational growth, particularly the development of the new training center and the department’s ongoing expansion projects. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining training standards and supporting his shift through consistent leadership.
Commitment Beyond Emergency Response
Both leaders stressed that the fire department’s role extends well beyond responding to emergencies.
From school visits and fire safety education to smoke alarm programs and CPR classes, the department remains deeply engaged in community outreach. Hill highlighted the importance of connecting with children and families, while Caswell pointed to structured fire prevention programs that serve residents of all ages throughout the year.
“The most important thing we do is going to see kids in the schools,” Hill said. “Our doors are always open, and those connections matter.”
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, both Assistant Fire Chiefs see the completion of the training center as a transformative milestone for the department. They believe it will improve firefighter retention, enhance training opportunities, and support long-term departmental growth.
Caswell also expressed hope for increased staffing per shift as the community continues to grow, noting that even one additional firefighter can significantly improve safety and operational effectiveness.
A Message to the Community
As they begin this next chapter of service, both Assistant Fire Chiefs shared messages of appreciation and commitment.
“I’m honored to have been given this opportunity, and I don’t take it lightly,” Hill said. “I want to do the best job I know how to do, and I’ll do it with honor and integrity.”
Caswell reaffirmed the department’s dedication to the community.
“We’re just going to keep working and moving forward,” Caswell said. “We’re here for you- whatever you need. Our doors are always open.”
The City congratulates both Assistant Fire Chiefs on their promotions and thanks them for their continued service and leadership. Their experience, vision, and dedication will help guide the Fire Department forward while continuing to protect and serve the Cynthiana community.