thinking on the ride out here, I would put our law enforcement locally, our first responders, and all of us gathered in this room up against any in the state,” said High. “And what makes it all the more remarkable is, given the area the state that we're from, you do an unbelievable job with limited resources. You don't have nearly the bells and whistles that some of your counterparts and colleagues have in rich or more populous areas of the state. And that does not go unnoticed either.”
High went on to offer praise to the many first responders in the room.
“I've said this before, but you gathered in this room, have the courage to do things that I don't, you have the courage to do things that most people walking around this town and county don't. And that is, you wake up every morning, knowing that you're putting your life on the line, just so that I and the other members of this community can remain safe.”
Emergency personnel and guests gathered beneath red, white and blue decorations for dinner and the presentation of five awards to four local honorees.
Holly Pierce, a Chowan County Sheriff’s Office deputy and school resource officer, received two of the evening’s honors: Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and the Edenton Optimist Club Youth Award.
The awards brought recognition to Pierce’s work in law enforcement and her role serving young people. Chief Deputy John McArthur presented the Optimist Club award, while Sgt. Kenny White presented the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.
Kevin Briggs received the 4-H Top Cop Award, presented through the Kids and Cops Program. Briggs is a retired North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper who now serves as a middle school resource officer.
The recognition of Pierce and Briggs placed school resource officers among the evening’s honorees, highlighting the connection between public safety and the county’s young people.
Edenton Fire Department Capt. Doug Oliver received the Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Award. Colon Ryan, director of Chowan County Emergency Medical Services, presented the honor.
Timothy Midgette received the Firefighter of the Year Award, presented by Assistant Chief Allen Monds.
The awards represented several parts of the local emergency services community, bringing firefighters, emergency medical personnel and law enforcement officers into the evening’s recognition.
John A. Holmes High School JROTC cadets did a fantastic job serving dinner giving students a role in the annual community gathering.
The banquet’ recognized the demands emergency service places on responders and their families throughout the year. While four recipients received this year’s awards, every Chowan County Emergency Service Employee received a thunderous round of applause for their dedication and service.
