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Kernersville Government

For the People

Kernersville is progressive and so is its government. Town officials encourage all — natives and newcomers — to get involved.

Jim Memory worked in Kernersville for five years, prior to moving here in 1998. He wanted to do more than just live here, he wanted to help preserve the community he loved.

“I went to town meetings religiously for two years before I ran for alderman in 2001. I was defeated, but I still wanted to be involved, so kept going to meetings. Later, I was appointed to the Planning Board and in 2003, I ran again and was elected,” said Memory.

Memory is now one of five aldermen that serve with Mayor Curtis Swisher.

Another newcomer to the Board of Alderman is Brooke Cashion. She noted, “This town is able to look at people as individuals. I think it is noteworthy that we have a very diverse board of men and women that are business owners, an attorney, and a retired school teacher.”

One of the finest examples of town government and community involvement is the Kernersville 2020 Strategic Plan. This plan was created to insure that Kernersville maintains its identity as the Triad continues to grow. The plan, which took years to develop and involved hundreds of citizens — looks 20 years into the future. The plan was reviewed, revised, and reaffirmed in 2003.

To date, some of the 2020 goals which have already been met include, affordable housing, the creation of Beeson Park, the community pool/water park at the YMCA, and much of the “interconnectivity” by means of road construction and improvements.

Kernersville is also a town that takes care of itself and its community. It prides itself in having the only fully staffed and professionally paid police department and fire department in Forsyth County — aside from Winston-Salem.

This affords the people of Kernersville countless blessings. For instance, at virtually all community festivals and events police and firemen are on hand to greet the people, give stickers to the children, and watch over their friends and neighbors.

The Kernersville Police Department (KPD) is also there to help during the saddest moments in life. The department gets more thank you letters for their free funeral escorts than for any other service.

“When my father passed away,” said Carol, “I felt an overwhelming sense of compassion as the officer bowed his head and placed his hat over his heart (as the funeral procession drove by). When you see the respect that the officer gives to you and your family — it makes a huge impact.”<

In turn, the community’s outpouring of support for its policemen, especially in times of need, is remarkable. In 2006, Officer Jeff Weathers was severely injured in a car accident while responding to a call. Several fundraisers were organized and over $29,000 was raised.

While the Kernersville Police Department is very personable, it is also very professional. The 64 sworn personnel are highly trained and use the latest technology such as in-car cameras and computers. Long before the crisis of 9/11 the KPD installed an 800-megahertz communication system that is being used nationwide. This system affords secured and simultaneous communication between numerous public safety agencies to coordinate local, regional, and homeland security.

In 2005, during his visit to Kernersville, President Bush commended the KPD for its security measures. In 2006, KPD achieved the status of “Recognition” by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

“The CALEA Recognition Status places the KPD in the top six percent of police departments nationwide,” said Chief Neal Stockton.

The Fire Department in Kernersville is equally as friendly and professional. Firemen mentor 4th grade students — as real and local heroes today that inspire the heroes of tomorrow — in Project Fire.

The fire department responds to over 2,000 calls per year, and like the police department, it consistently meets a response time of four minutes or less. That is about the same amount of time that it would take for a neighbor to come to someone’s aid, but when the police or firemen come — they are fully trained and equipped to help.

The fire department has personnel trained to the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) defibrillator level and the ability to administer drugs to counteract bee sting and shellfish allergies. EMS is provided by the county and heavily supported by the local fire fighters. Kernersville also has its own ambulance.

Kernersville has four fire stations with four engine companies, one ladder company, and a squad company for a total of 63 full-time paid personnel. Five volunteer departments just outside of town limits support the companies.

“Education is a must,” said Assistant Fire Chief Alan Martin, “and all our firefighters are certified through the state.”

Operating from that perspective, the department has set up one of the most aggressive training programs in the state. Evening classes are held in partnership with Forsyth Technical Community College at Kernersville’s Swisher campus so that all fire fighters can receive their Associates Degree in Fire Protection.

“Kernersville provides services that are as good or better than any municipality — large or small — in the state,” said Mayor Curtis Swisher.