Hickory Elks recognize public servants of the year
Each year, Hickory Elks Lodge 1654 recognizes those who exhibit the patriotic values of duty and honor in service to their community and nation. During the Americanism Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 8, the Hickory Elks presented public service awards honoring three exceptional members of Hickory’s fire, police, and public services departments—Senior Firefighter Jonathan Holden, Master Police Officer Trent Rothlin, and Special Projects Crew Leader Joey Corn.
Senior Firefighter Jonathan Holden was nominated by his peers and named the 2025 Exceptional Firefighter of the Year. Holden has demonstrated exceptional dedication, bravery, and professionalism in his role with the Hickory Fire Department. He started working for the City of Hickory 27 years ago in the Public Services Department, and he transferred to the Fire Department in 2014. He is currently assigned to Rescue 1 on B Shift.
Over the past 10 years, Holden has consistently exceeded the expectations in every aspect of his duties within the fire department. Holden was an early adopter of the Rescue Program when the department expanded its rescue capabilities. He played an active role in the design of the department’s first defined Heavy Rescue Apparatus to cover the new Confined Space, Structural Collapse, Swiftwater, and Trench Rescue specialties. As this program continues to grow, Holden is sought after to provide input for new equipment and training topics. He often volunteers to assist training firefighters when they take the water rescue certification classes. With his previous work experience in the city, Holden maintains a great working relationship with the Public Services Department. This has allowed the fire department access to heavy machinery and equipment to create unique rescue training scenarios, where he assisted in instructing. This is a notable example of Holden’s dedication to the community and department. His quick thinking, technical expertise, and unwavering courage ensures the safety of others in high-pressure situations and training.
Beyond his work within the Rescue Program, Holden is deeply committed to the department’s mission. In 2024, he completed the Officer Candidate School and is regularly selected by his battalion chiefs to perform the duties of a company officer in their absence. He has also completed the requirements to operate as an Airport Rescue Firefighter when the assigned firefighter is on leave. His leadership and dedication have led him to become a well-rounded team member that has left a lasting impact on the both Hickory Fire Department and the community it serves.
Holden’s willingness to serve his community is further shown in his hometown within Burke County, where he serves as the Deputy Chief of the Love Lady Fire Department.
“In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Senior Firefighter Jonathan Holden exemplifies the fire department’s core values of forward thinking, integrity, resilience, and excellence through service. He is a role model to his peers and an inspiration to all who know him,” said Hickory Fire Chief Matt Hutchinson.
Master Police Officer Trent Rothlin was chosen by his peers and named the 2025 Exceptional Police Officer of the Year. Rothlin joined Hickory Police Department in April 2013 and was promoted to the rank of Master Police Officer (MPO) in August 2016.
With over 11 years of dedicated service at the Hickory Police Department, MPO Rothlin consistently upholds the department’s core values of professionalism, accountability, compassion, and teamwork, making him a deserving recipient of the Hickory Elks Lodge Police Officer of the Year recognition. As a seasoned canine handler, MPO Rothlin has dedicated six years to this specialized role, currently partnering with his second canine, Mara. Previously, he served alongside his first canine, Ninja, for five years, forming a highly effective team.
MPO Rothlin exemplifies leadership, courage, and sound decision-making, as demonstrated by his swift and decisive actions during a critical incident in which his fellow officers came under fire from a suspect. His calm demeanor and ability to maintain focus under pressure were instrumental in bringing the situation to an end. A respected leader and mentor within his shift, MPO Rothlin is frequently sought out for guidance by his fellow officers.
“Through his unwavering dedication and exemplary service as a canine handler, MPO Trent Rothlin has set a gold standard in community policing. His commitment to his coworkers and the community has built trust and respect, and we are grateful for his service,” said Hickory Police Chief Reed Baer.
Special Projects Crew Leader Joey Corn was selected as the 2025 Exceptional Hickory City Public Service Person of the Year. Corn started working for the City of Hickory in October 2001 and has been promoted through the ranks in the Public Services Department, where he now serves as a Public Utilities Special Projects Crew Leader. He is a Certified Collections Operator and maintains his Commercial Driver License (CDL) to drive and operate any equipment needed.
Whenever there is a major utility repair or installation, Corn and his crew are involved. Corn is one of the first coworkers to volunteer to help where needed. He has assisted other divisions with snow removal and leaf pickup. He also is in rotation for after hour responsibilities for both Public Utilities and Public Works. Corn and his team work around the clock, in any conditions, to make sure the public utility systems are in service.
“Hickory is very fortunate to have Special Projects Crew Leader Joey Corn serving the community. His dedication on the job to quality and expediency is to be commended. His steady leadership and expertise are appreciated by his coworkers, and we are proud to have him on our team,” said Public Utilities Director Will Hamblin.
In addition to the public service awards presented to members of three City of Hickory departments, another City of Hickory employee was honored for his military service during the ceremony. Hickory Regional Airport Manager and Lieutenant Commander Chad Hunsucker was recognized as the 2025 Exceptional Military Service Person of the Year for the United States Navy.
The City of Hickory is proud of these public servants and congratulates them on receiving this high honor. Special thanks to the Hickory Elks Lodge for its efforts to recognize those who give of themselves to better the community.