American Legion Post 29 recognizes City of Lenoir firefighter and officer of the year for 2025

Dysart-Kendall American Legion Post 29 recognized Brian Watson as Firefighter of the Year and Sergeant Brandon MacLeod as Police Officer of the Year during the regular City Council meeting earlier this month on Aug. 5, 2025.

Post 29 Historian Irv Eurto facilitated the award presentations during the meeting.

“Thank you to the Mayor and members of the City Council for giving American Legion Post 29 the opportunity to recognize and create awareness in the community of how fortunate we are to have so many outstanding first responders,” Eurto said.

Firefighter Brian Watson started serving at Lenoir Fire as a part-time firefighter in May 2012. In March 2013, he was promoted to full-time duty. Today, Watson is a Driver / Operator on A-shift at Station 1, and he serves as an acting officer as needed.

Watson started his fire service career at Kings Creek Fire Department in 1993 as a Junior Firefighter. During his time at Kings Creek he has served in many positions including Fire Chief (2016-2020) and Lieutenant, and now he is Captain over training and communications. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Kings Creek Fire Department.

Watson is the President of the Caldwell County Firefighters’ Association, and he is the Vice President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) for the City of Lenoir Fire Department. Watson has earned many certifications including Firefighter II, Fire Officer II, Fire & Life Safety Educator I, Technical Rescuer, Driver Operator – Pumps and Aerials, Fire Instructor I, and Emergency Medical Technician.

Fire Chief Norman Staines said that Watson is always going above and beyond in his duties to Lenoir as well as other communities.

“Brian takes pride in his job and often volunteers for additional assignments,” Fire Chief Staines said. “Brian continues to look for ways to enhance his skills by completing training in new areas, and he continues to give back to his community by serving at Kings Creek Fire Department when he is off duty from Lenoir.”

Sergeant Brandon MacLeod started serving with the Lenoir Police Department in 2010. MacLeod started as a patrol officer. He was promoted to Patrol Corporal in 2018 and to sergeant in 2021.

Sgt. MacLeod earned many certifications during his career including: NC Justice Academy Field Training Officer Certificate (2014), FTO Supervisor (2021), Law Enforcement (LE) Intermediate Certificate from NC Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission (2016), NC Justice Academy School Resource Officer Certificate Program (400+ hours, 2018), LE Advanced Certificate from NC Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission (2020), NC Justice Academy Traffic Enforcement/Investigation Certificate Program (400+ hours, 2021), General Instructor Law Enforcement Training Program (2024), and FBI LE Executive Development Leadership Program (2025).

Sgt. MacLeod received the NC Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge Citation for Valor in 2016 and the 10-year Safe Driver, the 12-year Service, Meritorious Conduct, and Good Conduct awards.

Police Chief Andy Wilson said Sgt. MacLeod’s dedication and values are very important to the Lenoir Police Department.

“As a proud military veteran, Sergeant MacLeod brings the same values of service, integrity, and commitment to his community that defines his time in a police uniform,” Police Chief Wilson said. “This dedication to service makes him deserving of recognition as the American Legion Officer of the Year.”

Click the following link to watch the award ceremony online, https://youtu.be/6WoZUg_C6wU?si=WKyjq8phfmiSkQKr&t=1084.