U.S. Department of Justice

CEO Spruill Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Healthcare Fraud

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-News Release, U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that yesterday afternoon in federal court, SHEPHARD LEE SPRUILL, 47, of Greenville, North Carolina, was sentenced to 96 months in prison on the charge of Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, and 60 months in prison for Perjury, to be served concurrently. Spruill was also ordered to make restitution in the total amount of $5,998,874.86, payable to the North Carolina Medicaid Program, the South Carolina Medicaid Program, and another victim of the scheme. Spruill was further ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release, and to forfeit an additional $939,989.50 in criminal proceeds. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Spruill is also banned from participation in Federal healthcare benefit programs for life.

Spruill’s case arose out of the investigation of Pitt County behavioral health provider Terry Lamont Speller, his biller, Donnie Lee Phillips, II; and another Medicaid provider named 2 Reginald Saunders. Each of these defendants were previously sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge James C. Fox to 20 years, 9 years, and 3 years, respectively.

According to the Criminal Information and evidence discussed in open court, Spruill, then the leader of Carolina Support Services, an East Carolina behavioral health practice, supplied hundreds of patient names and identifiers to Speller, who in turn had Phillips bill the North Carolina Medicaid Program for millions of dollars in fictitious mental health services. Spruill, Speller, and Phillips split the fraud proceeds, with Spruill receiving his cut of the funds in the form of fictitious, no-document loan repayments. Spruill appeared before a federal grand jury and lied about his involvement with Speller, falsely claiming that he had no business relationship with Speller.

The continuing investigation into Spruill revealed that Spruill also engaged in a fraud upon the South Carolina Medicaid program, billing and being paid millions in fictitious services through another provider he owned.

United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. stated, “As we continue to combat drug dealers and violent criminals in our district, do not for a moment believe that we have given a pass to those whose steal from taxpayers through fraud. This case shows our continuing resolve to bring all to justice, even CEOs who commit their crimes with lies instead of guns. This case also 3 sends a message about the integrity of our grand jury system. Those who choose to lie in the grand jury will be held fully accountable.”

“Health care fraud is not a road to easy riches, as this sentence demonstrates,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Those who steal from taxpayers and vital government health care programs will be held accountable for their actions.”

In a related case, ATOYA BELLAMY, 45, of Morrisville, North Carolina, was sentenced to one year in prison for her role in Spruill’s fraud at Carolina Support Services. BELLAMY previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud on November 29, 2017. BELLAMY was also ordered to make restitution to the Government.

The investigation of this case was conducted by agents of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assigned to the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office; The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation and prosecution of this matter is being handled in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern 4 District of North Carolina and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney William M. Gilmore and Special Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Spillman of the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, each represented the United States.

If you suspect Medicaid or Medicare fraud please visit the HHS OIG website at https://oig.hhs.gov/ and click on the Report Fraud button. To report Medicaid fraud in North Carolina, call the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division at 919-881-2320. # # #

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_EDNC.

WIZS Beach Music Blast Debut

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Starting (tomorrow) May 1, 2018, the WIZS Beach Music Blast program will air M-F from 12 noon until 1 p.m.

May 1, 2018 is also the 63rd birthday of WIZS Henderson, which first came on the air May 1, 1955 as WHVH.

The WIZS Beach Music Blast debuted today from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on WIZS 1450 AM in the Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin County area.  For upcoming shows, you can also listen anywhere on wizs.com.  Click on Listen Live.

Click here for a video about our new show.

Trey Snide (Host) and Mr. Pat Christie — first ever interview on the Beach Music Blast

Appearing as guests today were: Terri Gore, the original Carolina Girl, Craig Woolard of The Embers and Julian Fowler of KHP Music along with the show’s very first guest and guest host of the day Pat Christie.

The new WIZS program schedule for Monday through Friday will be:

11 a.m. – TownTalk

11:30 a.m. – Tradio

12 noon – Midday Local News

12:04 p.m. – WIZS Beach Music Blast

1 p.m. – Sports Mayhem

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Reg. Season Begins Sat. April 28

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 — submitted by Tracy Madigan, Market Manager

The Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market’s regular market season begins Saturday, April 28, 2018!

Come out, shop and visit the market at 210 Southpark Drive in Henderson. Each week the farmers will be adding more produce.

The Saturday Market features plants for the garden including vegetables, herbs and flowers.

Local crafts for your enjoyment.

In season, locally grown spring produce; hot house tomatoes, beets, sweet potatoes, kale and lettuce plus strawberries (weather permitting)!

Our beef and pork vendors will have meat for sale. Worth the trip!

Plus estate wine, canned goods and baked goods.

Beginning April 28, the Farmers Market will be open Saturdays only from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. from April 28 – May 12.

Beginning May 16, the Farmers Market will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Special Event: Our Master Gardeners will be in attendance this week providing gardening advice.

Social Media: For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

**VCRFM accepts and welcomes SNAP/EBT**

(This is not a paid advertisement)

 

 

Health Sciences Dean Honored For Leadership At VGCC

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-VGCC Press Release

Angela M. Thomas, dean of health sciences at Vance-Granville Community College, was recently honored with the President’s Leadership Award from Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the president of the college.

The honor is one of three Glen Raven Excellence in Teaching and Leadership Awards presented to VGCC employees during each academic year. The others, the Faculty Member of the Year and Staff Member of the Year awards, are presented in the fall semester. Glen Raven, Inc., the manufacturer with a site in Norlina, is a longtime VGCC partner. The company’s support includes sponsoring the annual stipends to recognize outstanding VGCC instructors and staff members and endowing many scholarships for students.

President Williams praised Thomas for her dedication and commitment. “Under the leadership of Dean Thomas, our Health Sciences division has continued to demonstrate excellence in preparing students for successful careers, while also growing with the addition of three new credential offerings, including the associate degree in Histotechnology, as well as new partnerships with four-year universities,” she said. The president added that Thomas had directly led two departments during the past year, along with her duties as dean. In one case, she obtained a certification outside of her discipline (Radiography) in order to take on such a responsibility.

In accepting the award, Thomas gave credit to her Health Sciences team and thanked them for their support of her efforts to provide leadership and to assist them with their growth.  

A resident of Hillsborough, Thomas graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology from Pitt Community College and a bachelor of arts in Forensic Science from Guilford College, before completing a master’s degree in Health Care Management from Ashworth College. Thomas continues to work as a radiologic technologist at UNC Hospitals.

She started her association with VGCC in 1997 as a part-time Radiography instructor, later becoming the program’s full-time clinical coordinator and then head of the program. Thomas was named VGCC’s Faculty Member of the Year in 2011. As dean of health sciences since 2013, she leads a division that includes the Histotechnology, Nursing, Human Services Technology, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technology and Radiography programs. Thomas is a graduate of the North Carolina Community College Leadership Program and completed the Executive Leadership Program through the College of Education at N.C. State University.

                                                                                                                                       Angela Thomas holds her plaque for the leadership award. (VGCC photo) 

                                                                               

Take Back North Carolina Initiative Press Conf

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Wednesday afternoon at 3:30, the United States Attorney’s Office conducted a press conference at the Henderson Police Department. The audio of the press conference is available here. Discussed was the beginning of a new initiative to combat violent and drug crime in the Eastern District of North Carolina. This initiative will bring the full weight and resources of the federal court system in the fight against crime in the counties of Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and all the counties of the Eastern District of NC in partnership with the District Attorneys’ offices and federal, state and local law enforcement. The initiative will also focus on the alarming level of opioid use and the deaths associated with it. The speaker was United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. and in attendance were the Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin County sheriffs as well as the Police Chief of Henderson, Oxford and Louisburg. Also present were the District Attorney for the 9th Prosecutorial District and the ADA. According to what was said at the press conference, the goal is to reverse the trends where violent crimes and drug-related deaths have shot up in the last couple of years both in North Carolina, specifically the Eastern District, and across the nation. Higdon said opioid use is higher in eastern NC than the rest of the state. He essentially said the federal government in recent years had stopped using all its tools to prosecute the worst offenders and charge them with the worst crime. He said the work was already underway and through cooperation among law enforcement agencies and local and federal prosecutors, the goal was to significantly reduce crime by getting the worst offenders in federal court as fast as possible. He said when death was involved in a drug case, a federal court can us a 20 year mandatory sentence. He said when a gun is in the possession of the offender five years can be added to the sentence, and that goes to seven years if the gun is brandished and 10 years if the gun is discharged. He said there would be a 14-day plea deadline, and it was best if the offender plead guilty to reduce his/her sentence and because the penalties would be consistent for offenders and the punishment would fit the crime. Crimes against a law enforcement officer would be given a priority. He said there would be seizure of assets – cash, car, house, business. He said the federal courts would be going after medical professionals who administer drugs inappropriately. He said he hoped to deter crime rather than have to prosecute.

Franklin County Early College High School Hosting Blood Drive April 26

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— courtesy VGCC

Franklin County Early College High School is hosting a Blood Drive for the American Red Cross on Thursday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Vance-Granville Community College’s Franklin Campus.

Coordinating the drive is Abril Rosales-Martinez, a Super Senior at FCECHS, who says she’s been a long-time donor for the Red Cross. She’s organizing her first drive, she said, because she has seen how medical conditions affect the lives of those who are in need of blood.

“I have friends and family who have been drafted into a battle against cancer and other conditions, so I appreciate the necessity of blood donations,” she said.

Students in the Community Services Club at FCECHS are assisting Rosales-Martinez with the drive by helping donors get checked in, attending to donors in the waiting area and serving snacks when the process is finished.

Appointments can be made by visiting the Red Cross website at www.RedCrossBlood.org and using the sponsor code VGCC. Those who make appointments will minimize their wait time, Rosales said. The Red Cross also encourages potential donors to save time by completing a pre-donation reading and answering health history questions on the day of the appointment at www.RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.

Donors must be over 16 years old, although those who are 16 may donate if they have parental permission. Those with questions about eligibility can call the Red Cross at 866-236-3276.

As an incentive, Rosales-Martinez said, VGCC Franklin Campus is conducting a drawing among the day’s donors to give away two lunch boxes and gift cards to Bojangles and Zaxby’s. The Red Cross, she added, has an appreciation offer for those donating blood between April 9 and May 13 with donors automatically being entered in a sweepstakes to win one of three $1,000 gift cards to The Home Depot, courtesy of Suburban Propane.

The Blood Drive will be staged in the Multipurpose Meeting Room in Building 4 on the VGCC Franklin Campus at 8100 NC 56 in Louisburg.

— VGCC —

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance County Regional Farmers Market Opens Sat. (WOW!!!)

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— submitted by Tracy Madigan, Market Manager

Farmers Market Begins 2018 Season This Saturday

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will begin its 2018 season Saturday, April 21 with their second annual Spring Fling Produce, Plants & Crafts market. Featuring over 30 vendors, the market will have a variety of local spring produce, baked and canned goods, garden plants, herbs, flowers and vegetables, locally raised beef, pork and eggs plus lots of unique craft items. The event will be at the VCRFM, 210 Southpark Dr. from 8am to 2pm.

Granville County’s Harvey Hills Farm, a certified nursery, will have an assortment of herbs and vegetables for planting in your own garden including several types of heirloom tomatoes. They also sell flowers for your gardens as well as hanging baskets and potted plants. Co-owner Carrie Harvey will be on hand to offer planting advice and share her extensive horticultural knowledge. Robert and Nancy Ohlmann of Apple Hill Farm in Granville County will be bringing leafy greens and spring vegetables. The Ohlmann’s also have bedding plants and flowers. New this year for Apple Hill Farm, Nancy will be selling her handmade craft items. Bill and Camille Graves of Stone Bridge Farm will have everything you need for a delicious salad including kale, spinach, swiss chard, several types of lettuce, eggs and even some horseradish to add zing. Relatively new to our area, Bill & Camille chose Vance County for their home after retiring and began a whole new career as specialty farmers! In the few short years they have been establishing Stone Bridge Farm, they have accomplished amazing things growing distinctive, unconventional produce. If lucky, you may even be able to get some duck eggs at their booth. The Short’s Family Farm will be bringing sweet potatoes, potatoes and green house tomatoes. Depending on the weather, they may have strawberries and a few other surprises. Be sure to stop by their booth to congratulate Will on his baseball scholarship to Barton and see how much taller Hampton has grown! Don’t forget to grab some fresh local shitake and oyster mushrooms for your salad from Henderson Natural Farm. Located in Norlina and owned by James and Earlean Henderson, Henderson Natural Farm specializes in organically grown mushrooms. James offers cooking ideas and recipes centered on his delicious mushrooms. He can also enlighten you on the many healthy and nutritional benefits of mushrooms which are popular stir fried, grilled, sautéed and in soups. Calvin Adcock of Adcock Farm in Vance County has an array of canned vegetables, jellies, preserves, sauces, chow-chow, honey and fresh seasonal vegetables. Try some of Calvin’s mouthwatering products and you will see why he was chosen 2017 Vance County Small Farmer of the Year. The Vance County Master Gardeners be in attendance with an information booth, ready to answer your gardening questions or assist with planting needs.

Looking for great local meat to go with your spring vegetables and salads? The VCRFM has it! JW Creek Farms in Granville County specializes in pasture raised beef and free range chickens. Owner Janice Murphey and her husband William raise Angus Herefordshire beef. From ground beef, ribeye steaks, and tenderloins to Osso Bucco, beef kabobs, London Broil and everything in between, JW Creek Farms has the beef! Let William explain the advantages of eating pasture raised beef and share cooking instructions. Having trouble finding safe eggs at the supermarket lately? Not to worry, JW Creek has plenty of fresh safe local eggs available. Are you looking for a Boston Butt, pork tenderloin, or savory pork chops? Faulkner Family Farms sells local, pasture raised pork products including bacon, sausages and kielbasa. Located in Vance County, the Faulkner Family Farm has been in the Faulkner family since the 1870’s. The seventh generation of Faulkners currently live and work on the farm. Operated by Don Faulkner, Jr., son Gray and nephew Steven Jones, FFF offers a variety of summer and fall vegetables in addition to their pork products. They will be selling their pork at the Spring Fling Saturday and will add vegetables and melons to their offerings as the season progresses. Dixon and Sons Farms, located in Granville County, is a GAP and Organic Certified 200 + acre family farm. Owners Jason & Terry Dixon grow strawberries, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, deer corn and pasture raised pork. This Saturday the Dixon’s will be selling their pork and, if ripe, their locally famous strawberries. Yum!

Enhance your farmers market meal of fresh spring produce and meats with a bottle of wine from Vance County’s sole winery, Backroad Farms and Vineyard. Owners Dr. Eric & Deborah Price will be offering their Hicksboro Red and Williamsboro White estate wines at Saturday’s Spring Fling. This will be vintner Eric’s second year of making and selling wine, though Deborah has been tending the vines for about eight years. After many years away as a business professional, Deborah is now the fourth generation in her family to farm the lands of Backroad Farms and Vineyard. A former Master Gardner, Deborah grows seasonal vegetables and fruits. In addition to having kale, Muscadine grape cider and grape juice, Muscadine salsa, dried lavender and honey from BFV’s hives, Deborah, also a talented craftswoman, will be offering some of her crafts. Look for her luffa sponges and other surprises. Be sure to take some local wines home and raise a glass toasting spring and all the wonderful goodies available at your farmers market.

Finish off your farmers market meal with delectable sweets available at Spring Fling. Our beloved Ada Clifton of Ms. Ada’s Baked Goods, a VCRFM icon, will be selling her scrumptious baked goods at Saturday’s Spring Fling. Known for her pies, sweet breads, rolls, jellies and preserves, Ms. Ada is sure to have something for everyone’s sweet tooth. Wake County’s Cakes Delish will be on hand offering their melt-in-your-mouth good cupcakes. Baker Bertha Cepeda creates a variety of cupcakes with original flavors, often using seasonal fruits. Cakes Delish is a small family bakery specializing in custom cakes and cupcakes. Stop by their booth and have Bertha’s son, Sam, assist you in your selection. He can also take custom cake orders for every “delish-ious” occasion. Henderson’s own Yummy Little Cakes will be bringing a plethora of sweet treats to Spring Fling. Owners Valerie and Woody Davis offer mini-loaves, scones, muffins, cupcakes, miniature Victoria sponge cakes and miniature Battenberg cakes.

Treat yourself, friends and family to special one-of-a-kind handmade crafts from our many talented local craft vendors. You will find crocheted and hand sewn dish clothes, wash cloths, sponges, and towels by Angelique Clay, owner of Vance County’s The Eclectic Peacock. She also hand makes scented soaps, key fobs, padded sunglasses cases, tissue pack covers and more. Also crafting with The Eclectic Peacock is Granville County artist Tammy Atkinson. Tammy’s beautiful hand painted stemware and glassware enhance any table setting and her custom wine glasses are perfect for sipping BFV estate wines! She also makes fun bow and arrows sets for children, but don’t worry, they are cloth tipped for safe play. Original wreaths and bows made by Vance County’s Laureen Wilkins may be found at Laureen’s Creations. Specializing in seasonal and themed wreaths, Laureen will also make customized wreaths to your specifications. Have a favorite sports team and want to show your support? Laureen has college and school wreaths. For beautiful decorative home products, Mill Creek Alpaca Farm in Clarksville, Va. has fused glass and stained glass products. Crafter Terry Wooten creates unique mobiles and ornaments as well as hand painted china and porcelain items. Kenneth Fuller creates furniture from barn wood and barn roof tin at his Maul-N-Wedge Barn Wood Furniture shop in Vance County. Find chairs, benches, tables, cabinets and much more at his Spring Fling booth. Peggy Trutt of Durham’s Thread’s Connected Plus Paper will have her signature handmade purses, wallets, credit card holders, bookmarks and much more at her booth on Saturday. Her creations are not only useful, but attractive and original. You will find embroidered towels, napkins, pillows, and purses as well as ceramic trivets and cup holders for your car at Creative Gifts for Missions. Owner Alice Overton of Granville County designs and makes her crafts with a special purpose in mind. She uses her proceeds to raise money for mission trips to help others. Jackie Glover of Glover Crafts will have her original boa scarves and crocheted items at her booth. She also produces necklaces, gloves, hats, and cloths at her Vance County business. You will find bird houses, bat houses, and butterfly houses at her booth too! For original artwork, greeting cards, photography, and ornaments, Boundary Waters Farm has what you need. Vance County artist, crafter and farmer, Cindy Graham uses her many talents to create items based on her surroundings. You will find animal and farm themed items at her booth plus plants, cut flowers, seasonal vegetables and pork. It may be spring, but we still have some cool weather to contend with. Make at stop at Jerri Jones’ Jerri’s Things and find that perfect hand crocheted shawl or wrap to keep you warm. Made in Vance County, wearing her creations will make you the envy of others! Adrian Varney of Vance County will have necklaces, bracelets and candles at her Pretty Tough Stuff Designs booth. Additionally, Adrian is a skilled photographer and will be offering an array of her printed and framed works for sale. For an eclectic mix of sand blasted bottles, glass blocks, glassware, repurposed cabinets & doors, customized Yeti-style cups, hand painted signs, wind chimes and bird houses, check out Junk Drawer Designs. Owner and crafter Heidi Owens of Vance County offers these items and more at her SF booth. Gorgeous handmade semi-precious gemstone and pearl jewelry created by Warren County artisan Suzanne Chiotakis may be found at her Five Crows Over Lick Skillet booth. Choose from a vast selection of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces – all individually designed and created by Suzanne. For some of the finest hand-turned wood crafts to be found anywhere, look no further than Vance County’s own Louis Sachs. Sachs Woodcrafts LLC is located on a farm in rural Vance County. Owner Louis Sachs designs and handcrafts various and unusual wood pieces into hand-turned bowls, platters, cutting boards and other unique custom pieces. No two items are alike and are designed and numbered with the wood type, adding to their character and charm. Visit Louis Saturday at his SF booth and fall in love with his work and craftsmanship. Before you leave Spring Fling, be sure to stop by the Kerr Lake Candles and stock up on hand poured candles and wax melts. Enjoy the wonderful aromatic scents of these creations by Franklin County crafter, Ed Cottle, as you unwind at home after your fun day at Spring Fling.

Vance County Regional Farmers Market Opens 4-21-18

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— courtesy VCRFM by Tracy Madigan

Vance County Regional Farmers Market  Season Begins April 21st

Mark your calendar. We will be kicking off our 5th season at our current farmers market location. You are invited to come out and celebrate the new season!  Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson, NC, Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Spring Fling Market: Featuring numerous craft vendors, bedding plants for the garden including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and shrubs and locally grown spring produce.

There will also be baked goods, estate wine, canned goods and meat for sale.

Beginning April 28th: The Farmers Market will be open Saturdays only from 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. from April 28 – May 12.

Beginning May 16th: The Farmers Market will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

KEEP IN TOUCH on Facebook.

(Not a paid advertisement.  However, the VCRFM is an advertising client on WIZS, and you will hear this same event advertised.)

Franklin County Logo

Franklin County Solid Waste Facilities to Close May 28th for Maintenance

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— press release from Franklin County Government

Franklin County Solid Waste Facilities to Close May 28th for Maintenance

State Required Maintenance will close transfer station and convenience centers

Franklin County’s Solid Waste Transfer Station and 12 residential convenience centers will be closed Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2018 to perform State of North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality required maintenance and safety improvements inside the transfer station and its disposal tipping floor. Franklin County residents and commercial customers of the transfer station are encouraged to adjust their disposal plans in the days leading up to the one-day closure to avoid any inconveniences.

According to Brian Haynesworth, Franklin County’s Solid Waste Director, “It can be challenging to find a window of opportunity to perform two consecutive days of required maintenance and safety improvements at a busy facility such as ours and minimize disruption of disposal services for residents and the commercial customers. By choosing to close the transfer station on Memorial Day, we selected a day that normally has a significantly reduced number of customers because of holiday events or out of town travel as opposed to a non-holiday where more customers would be inconvenienced.”

Solid waste facilities are open with abbreviated operating hours at the transfer station but normal operating hours at the residential convenience centers on most holidays with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

The transfer station’s operating hours for the Memorial Day Holiday weekend will be as follows: Friday, May 25 – 7am to 3:30pm; Saturday, May 26 – 7am to 1pm; Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28 – Closed. The convenience centers’ operating hours for the same period are: Friday, May 25 – 7am to 7pm; Saturday, May 26 – 7am to 7pm; Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28 – Closed.

For more information about the schedule change or Franklin County’s solid waste management, recycling and waste reduction programs, please visit https://www.franklincountync.us/recycles or contact the Solid Waste Information Line at 919-496-5002.

MADD’S HIGHEST HONORS TO TROOP C DISTRICT 4

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— submitted by Lorraine Watkins, MADD President

MADD’S HIGHEST HONORS BESTOWED
ON NC HIGHWAY PATROL
TROOP C DISTRICT 4

MADD’S 2017 Annual Awards Banquet was held Thursday, April 5th in Cary, North Carolina. Vance, Franklin and Warren counties “Troop C District 4,” led by 1st Sergeant Jeff Rowan, had three troopers to receive the highest honors for the number of arrests made for keeping our highways safe from drunk and impaired drivers. Flanked by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program Director Mark Ezzell, Col. Glen M. McNeill, State Highway Patrol Commander, a judge, district attorneys, lawyers as well as state police officers, sheriff’s and deputies and other state highway patrol officers, the “2017 Enforcer Award” was presented to three of our troopers: Trooper Joseph Thomas, 154 arrests; Trooper Joshua Southerland, 128 arrests; and Trooper Eugene Burrell, 122 arrests. These troopers will tell you it’s not about numbers but saving innocent lives from being ripped from families by senseless acts of an impaired individuals. Our sincere congratulations to all three of these deserving men for a job well-done.

The final highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Trooper Brandon Peterson Hero Award.” This first-time award was in memory of Trooper Peterson who lost his life in 2017. 1st Sergeant Rowan and his troopers were the recipients of this prestigious award representing the sincere heartfelt compassion of an officer and his team during difficult times for the family of a lost one as well as the perpetrator.

It is very humbling for MADD of Henderson, as young as we are as an organization, to have the honor of such caring troopers at our fingertips. Thank you, 1st Sgt. Rowan, for your sincere dedication and compassion, as well as that of your troopers. It is an honor for me and our team of volunteers to initiate this program, to support you, your men and all law enforcement officers in our city and county that selflessly make the effort to keep our travels safe.