Congratulations to Police Officer Casey Stephens and Fire Chief Tracy Winecoff who were recently named Hometown Heroes by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association.  

Casey was hired by the Kannapolis Police Department in 2024. He is a graduate of Rowan Cabarrus Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Program where he received the Outstanding Driver Award.

He is currently assigned to Patrol Squad C. He was nominated for this award for his positive and cooperative attitude, and his outstanding work ethic. Casey is always willing to go above and beyond to accomplish the mission of the police department. He often volunteers to stay late and work special events. He is making a positive impact in our community and has a servant attitude.

Tracy Winecoff began his fire service career in 1990 as a junior firefighter in Rowan County. He later worked as a paramedic with Rowan County EMS before joining the Kannapolis Fire Department in 1999. He has served as Fire Chief since 2020 and serves as the City's Emergency Management Director.

Tracy has been active in several community and civic organizations, including Leadership Cabarrus and the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Fire Protection Program Advisory Board. He is a volunteer firefighter with the Locke Township Fire Department, where he also serves as President of the Board of Directors. He currently serves as President of the Rowan County Fire and Rescue Association.

A native of Rowan County, Tracy and his wife, Nikki, have a son, Brayden.