SBI Investigating After Hendersonville Captain Terminated

The City of Hendersonville has released documentation detailing the termination of a Hendersonville Police Department captain following an internal complaint alleging misconduct, while a state-level investigation remains underway.

City officials said the department received a complaint on Jan. 13, 2026, involving the alleged misuse of off-duty employment by Capt. Kenneth Hipps. An internal investigation was launched immediately and resulted in his termination effective 5 p.m. Jan. 27, according to a formal letter issued by Police Chief Blair Myhand.

In the termination notice, Myhand wrote that the decision was based on violations of the City of Hendersonville Personnel Policy under “Detrimental Personal Conduct.” The letter states the investigation determined that from 2023 through January 2026, Hipps, on multiple occasions, clocked in with a private extra-duty management company and was paid for off-duty assignments while simultaneously working his scheduled shifts for the police department.

According to the letter, a comparison of city leave records and extra-duty assignments showed Hipps was working for the city during those times, resulting in a private facility paying for police services it did not receive. The chief stated the conduct violated both city and departmental policies and was serious enough to warrant termination without prior warning under the personnel policy.

The letter also addressed Hipps’ claim that such behavior was commonly accepted practice within the department, stating that the allegation was investigated and found to be without merit. Hipps was advised he could appeal the decision by submitting a written notice within five business days to the city manager and the human resources director. A name-clearing hearing requested by Hipps was scheduled for Feb. 3 at Hendersonville City Hall. He was directed to return city-issued property and informed of access restrictions to nonpublic office areas.

Separately, Chief Myhand requested that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent criminal review and notified District Attorney Andrew Murray. Officials have said the SBI investigation is ongoing, and details are being limited to protect its integrity.

In a public statement released Feb. 5, Myhand said allegations of misconduct are taken seriously and pledged improvements to internal systems. City officials did not address the timing of the press release, which came more than a week after the termination.

City leadership listed on the official correspondence includes Mayor Barbara Volk; Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Hensley; and council members Lyndsey Simpson, Melinda Lowrance and Margina Baxter. Administrative officers include City Manager John Connet, City Attorney Angela Beeker and City Clerk Jill Murray.

Additional updates are expected as the SBI investigation continues.