BMPD recognizes top cop

Sergeant Josh Kiser awarded 2022 Employee of the Year

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
February 14, 2023

Black Mountain Police Sergeant Josh Kiser, center, receives the 2022 Employee of the Year Award, Feb. 13, presented by Chief Steve Parker, right, and Major Chris Kuhn. Photo by Fred McCormick

As 2022 came to a close, personnel within the Black Mountain Police Department were asked to identify a co-worker who best exemplified the professional standards set forth by the organization. Their selection, Sergeant Josh Kiser, was recognized by the public, Feb. 13, when the town council convened for its regular monthly meeting.

BMPD Chief Steve Parker and Major Chris Kuhn presented the veteran law enforcement officer with the Employee of the Year award, citing his dedication to serving and protecting the community.

Kiser completed the FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership Institute course last year, and the training he received proved valuable as he responded to potentially life-threatening calls.

“We had two very serious incidents in the community (last year), one in which a subject was waving a gun at members of the community, and ended up waving a gun at deputies,” Parker said. “The subject ended up on I-40 in a pursuit, and Sergeant Kiser and his team were able to apprehend him without anyone getting hurt. That is a big deal.”

While police pursuits are not common in Black Mountain, according to Parker, the sergeant responded to a similarly dangerous scenario later that year.

“The subject was wanted by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) on a parole violation, with numerous gun charges,” the chief said. “That was another pursuit that ended with nobody getting hurt, but the subject did grab and try to take an officer’s gun. We can’t say what his intentions were, but I wouldn’t imagine they were good.”

The composure demonstrated by Kiser and his team while responding to potentially life-threatening situations led to safe outcomes for the community, department and suspects, the chief added.

“I also believe his dedication to his staff is another reason the department voted for him,” Parker said. “So, I would like to recognize Sergeant Josh Kiser as the BMPD Employee of the Year.”

Kiser, who joined the BMPD in April of 2019 and was promoted to sergeant in 2021, received a standing ovation from the town council and public as he accepted the award.