North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey will present the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to retiring Fire Chief Vence Harris of the Chapel Hill Fire Department during a special ceremony on Friday, June 16.
The Commissioner, who also serves as the State Fire Marshal, will present the award at 6:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel, located at One Europa Drive in Chapel Hill.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest honor awarded by the Governor’s office and is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to North Carolina. Some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected for the award include significant contributions to communities and many years of service to an organization. State employees who contribute more than 30 years of service are also eligible. The honor is most often presented when a person retires.
Chief Harris has more than 28 years of experience with the Town of Chapel Hill Fire Department, holding nearly every position within the department. As assistant chief of training, Harris focused on revamping recruitment strategies by developing key partnerships throughout the town with organizations like UNC Athletics and the public school system. As assistant chief of emergency management, he continued his focus on partnerships and collaboration, in addition to response to natural disasters.
The media is invited to attend and cover the event.
Here is Commissioner Causey’s public schedule for Friday, June 16:
6:30 p.m. – Presentation of the OOLLP
Sheraton Hotel
One Europa Drive, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27517