Veteran law enforcement officer Michael D. Grissom received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Wednesday during a ceremony at the Vance County Courthouse.
N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon presented the award to Grissom with family and friends looking on in recognition of his nearly 30-year career in law enforcement that Sossamon stated is “marked by extraordinary dedication, leadership, and a profound commitment to public safety and community well-being.”
In 1973, Grissom was a patrolman with the Henderson Police Department. He quickly distinguished himself through his strong connection to the community, his unwavering ethical standards and sense of duty. He rose through the ranks, first as detective and then as detective sergeant.
Grissom was promoted to lieutenant in 1988 and he served in that role until 1991. As a lieutenant, he played a pivotal role in enhancing the department’s strategic planning, resource management and interdepartmental collaboration.
Then, he became an agent with the City-County Bureau of Identification in Raleigh, bringing with him a wealth of experience and commitment to excellence. By 1994, he was promoted to field supervisor, a position he held until his retirement in June 2002.
Throughout his career, Grissom has embodied the principles of justice, fairness and service, and has left an indelible impact on the organizations he served and the communities he protected. His unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of others has made him a model of public service and a deserving recipient of this distinguished honor.
“Mike Grissom represents the best of North Carolina,” Sossamon stated. “His lifelong commitment to protecting and serving his community has inspired many and ensured a lasting legacy of integrity and leadership.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mike-grissom_order-long-leaf-pine_121824_IMG_3620.jpg294560WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2024-12-19 16:33:582024-12-19 23:13:41Veteran Law Enforcement Officer Mike Grissom Awarded Order Of The Long Leaf Pine
— information courtesy of the office of N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon
Former Watkins Volunteer Fire Department Chief Charles Forsythe is one of the newest recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, given for more than four decades of service to his community.
N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon presented the award to Forsythe on Dec. 5.
“Charles Forsythe’s lifelong commitment to the Watkins Volunteer Fire Department and his profound impact on the community exemplify the spirit of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” Sossamon said. “His legacy of service, leadership, and compassion is an inspiration to us all.”
In 1980, Forsythe began as a firefighter with the Watkins Volunteer Fire Department. From the outset, his unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property set him apart. Over the years, Forsythe’s tireless efforts and exemplary leadership earned him promotions to Lieutenant, Captain, and eventually Fire Chief, a role in which he served with distinction.
Even after stepping down as Fire Chief, Forsythe remained a vital part of the department as Chaplain and Senior Man. In these capacities, he has provided spiritual guidance and emotional support to his fellow firefighters, ensuring their well-being both on and off duty. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of firefighters, instilling values of courage, integrity, and service.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors, awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the state and their communities. Forsythe’s exemplary career and enduring contributions make him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Charles-Forsyth-Award_Long-Leaf-Pine_UD121124.jpg294560WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2024-12-13 15:00:512024-12-15 09:02:42Charles Forsythe Receives Order Of The Long Leaf Pine
– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood
Granville County Commissioner Dr. Tony Cozart was recognized for his decades of service to his county Monday, Oct. 7 when he was presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Rep. Frank Sossamon provided remarks about Cozart’s career as an educator, minister and public servant during the presentation, held during the regular monthly meeting of the Granville commissioners.
According to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood, Cozart was first elected to the Granville County Board of Commissioners in 1989 and has now served nine consecutive terms representing District 4, with his most recent term beginning in December 2020. Cozart received this distinction not just for his service on the Granville County Board of Commissioners, but also his years of service as an educator, a principal, executive director of Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, Pastor of Cooks Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity board of directors, Masonic Home for Children board of directors, commissioner of Central Children’s Home church basketball league, moderator of the United Shiloh Missionary Baptist Association, and many other achievements that have served this county and North Carolina.
“Being a county commissioner is one thing that has never grown old for me,” said Cozart. “Growing up, I learned hard work in the tobacco fields and working as a bag boy at 7-11. To my fellow members of the board of commissioners, you are like family to me, and I am grateful to all of you. I had wonderful parents; and God gave me a wonderful wife, wonderful children, and grandchildren that have stolen my heart. I love this county and have enjoyed all these years of service.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Cozart-Long-Leaf-Pine-1_granville-county-photo_100924.jpg294560WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2024-10-11 11:58:092024-10-11 19:00:14Dr. Tony Cozart Receives Order Of The Long Leaf Pine
– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood
Granville County Senior Services Director Kathy May was recognized for her decades of service to Granville County and the state of North Carolina when she was named as one of the newest recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award last week. State Sen. Mary Wills Bode presented the award to May on behalf of Gov. Roy Cooper during a surprise ceremony on Sept. 25 at the Granville County Senior Center in Oxford.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest civilian honor awarded by the North Carolina Governor’s Office. Established in 1963 by Gov. Terry Sanford, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the state and to their communities through exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
Recipients become honorary North Carolina ambassadors and their names and award dates are recorded on a roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.
Assistant Senior Services Director Angela Wright spoke during the ceremony about May’s accomplishments since she arrived on the scene in 1987. Now approaching her 38th year as Senior Services director, May has led the department through significant changes over the years.
In 1987, Senior Services was located in the former Orange Street School, and because renovations were being made to the building to ultimately house the Department of Social Services, there were no dedicated facilities for senior activities beyond basic services like congregate meals in Oxford and Creedmoor. Under May’s leadership, the Senior Services Department has expanded to a true county-wide service model that includes continuing education, fitness classes, technology training, Medicare enrollment assistance, housing improvements, and so much more at three locations throughout the county.
As of 2024, the Oxford location has relocated a second time to the current facility on Lanier Street and sites have been established in Creedmoor and Stovall in partnership with those local municipalities providing many of the same services to northern and southern areas of the county. Work is currently underway on a major expansion in downtown Stovall for a new North Granville Senior Center, scheduled to be complete in 2025.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Kathy-May_Order-of-the-long-Leaf-Pine_092524.jpg294560WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2024-10-04 16:16:362024-10-04 19:50:35Granville Senior Services Director Kathy May Receives Order Of The Long Leaf Pine
With family, friends and colleagues looking on, W. Rodwell Drake, M.D. – Roddy – became the most recent recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Rep. Frank Sossamon presented Drake with the framed award Thursday morning on behalf of N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper.
“It’s important to recognize people who have served us and served us well,” Sossamon said in remarks before presenting the award. “Dr. Drake is one of those who’s made an impact,” he said.
Recipients of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine are selected for long-standing service to their community and to the state. Sossamon said he’d heard Drake characterized as “’the epitome of what a family physician should be’ – what a compliment,” he said.
Drake grew up in Warren County and long-time resident of Henderson, practiced medicine at Henderson Family Medicine from 1975 to 1991, when he became director of the Granville-Vance Health District.
After the ceremony, he told WIZS News that he appreciated hearing all the kind comments that came from long-time friends and from family members.
“It’s nice to be recognized,” Drake said, but “the real satisfaction is in knowing that you’ve done a good job and that you’ve been supported by a good team of workers and support from friends and others in the community that makes it all possible.”
He retired from his role as GVPH director in 2012, but Drake currently serves as interim medical director in Nash County.
“I’ll always be involved,” he said. “It’s in my blood…that’s just the way it is. Medicine has been an important part of my life.”
Friend and local attorney Jerry Stainback read a resolution that he crafted to honor the occasion, signed by several dozen friends and colleagues, to recognize Drake for “his lifelong work and standard of work, and that his friends, colleagues and coworkers desire to honor him for his outstanding achievements as a friend to all whom he meets” and for “unfailing and faithful service to his community and State.”
In his role as district health director, Drake said he always tried to make sure he made the community a priority. But over the years, he had the chance to participate in a number of statewide committees and played a large role in creating guidelines and decision-making.
Gov. James B. Hunt appointed him to the N.C. Advisory Council on Cancer Coordination Control, and he served two four-year terms working with Dr. Joseph Pagano of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer He also was a steering committee member at the N.C. Institute of Medicine to develop a 10-year plan to improve health outcomes.
Lisa Harrison, who succeeded Drake as GVPH director, also served on that steering committee. In the nomination letter, Harrison wrote, “We all applaud Dr. Drake. We appreciate his dedication to the health of others and to the health of these rural communities. His leadership still makes such a positive difference.”
Harrison brought greetings Thursday morning from the health department – and a card signed by many staff members – and said she is grateful for “all of the wonderful things that Dr. Drake has done to keep communities healthy.”
In his remarks to those gathered, Drake said a community is strengthened by all its connections. “It takes a strong community to make good things happen,” he said. “I am so connected with all of you, not only in work, but in board work and tremendous long-lasting friendships.”
As the ceremony was winding down, Drake stood at the podium a second time to exercise his new authority as a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine – the privilege to recite the state’s toast whenever and wherever he so chooses.
Here’s to the land of the long leaf pine,
The summer land where the sun doth shine,
Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great,
Here’s to “Down Home,” the Old North State!
(WIZS News would like to credit and thank Jean Thompson, Dr. Drake’s sister, with providing additional help to WIZS for this story and for the pictures you see.)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dr.-Roddy-Drake-092624b.jpg294560Laura Gabelhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngLaura Gabel2024-09-26 20:20:432024-09-27 15:45:46Dr. Roddy Drake Recipient Of Order Of The Long Leaf Pine
William “Bill” Nission Martin retired as a Master Trooper with the State Highway Patrol. His 30 years with the law enforcement agency – every one spent with Troop C District 4 – was a remarkable achievement.
But N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon put some icing on the proverbial cake Sunday, Mar. 10 and presented Martin with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor the state gives.
Sossamon presented Martin with the award at Tungsten Baptist Church with family, friends, retired co-workers, current Highway Patrol employees, members of the community and members of the church looking on.
Throughout his career, Martin garnered numerous accolades and recognitions for his exceptional service to the community. As a Trooper Training Officer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals, imparting his wisdom and expertise to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens he swore to protect.
This dedication was underscored by the acquisition of several certificates, each a testament to his commitment to excellence. He earned an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Vance Granville Community College, laying the educational foundation for a distinguished career. He was also certified as a VASCAR Operator, Radar Operator, and Breathalyzer Operator, all of which showcased his proficiency in the latest law enforcement technologies and techniques.
Beyond his career in law enforcement, Martin is a proud Mason, exemplifying his commitment to principles of fellowship, charity, and personal growth. He has been a member at Tungsten Baptist Church since 1973, which is a testament to his strong faith and enduring dedication to his community.
Following his retirement from the SHP, Martin continued his service as a Vance County deputy sheriff for eight years. During this tenure, he served as both security for the court and court Bailiff, ensuring the smooth administration of justice in the county.
Within his cherished Tungsten Baptist Church, Martin has held various vital roles, including deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Superintendent of Sunday School. He is known to lend his technical skills by operating the soundboard during church services and offering comfort through prayer when needed.
Bill Martin’s life is a remarkable journey of dedication, faith and service. His enduring commitment to his community, both in his career and within the church, has left an indelible mark that continues to inspire and uplift those around him. Martin’s legacy is one of selflessness, and his impact on Troop C District 4 and Tungsten Baptist Church will be remembered for generations to come.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/North-Carolina-Highway-Patrol.gif265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2024-03-13 18:59:282024-03-13 18:59:28Bill Martin – Troop C District 4 – Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Gordon Wilder has long been a public servant in his community – from his 30+ years with Vance County Schools to his 12 years as a county commissioner, Wilder has had the best interests of the community at heart for decades.
And Monday night he was at the board of commissioners meeting – not as a commissioner but as a private citizen. With wife and family looking on, Wilder became the newest recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
N.C. Rep. Frank Sossamon presented the award, the highest honor an individual can receive from the State of North Carolina.
Until Clerk Kelly Grissom called him to inform him of the honor, Wilder said he had no idea that a nomination had been submitted.
“I’m very fortunate,” he said, adding that it was something he had “coveted for a long time – but you’re not supposed to covet.”
He said the evening was very special indeed, especially since his wife, children and grandchildren were able to be present.
Reflecting on the events of the evening when he was back at home last night, Wilder said he realized something: “The price of coffee is the same and I’ve got to get up and go to work when the sun comes up.” Awards are wonderful, but “you’ve got to keep them in perspective.”
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Gordon-Wilder-060523-Long-Leaf-Pine.jpg294560WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2023-06-06 17:55:522023-06-06 17:59:34Gordon Wilder Awarded Order Of The Long Leaf Pine
Birthday presents come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, recipients have an idea of what’s inside a wrapped box before they even open it. Other gifts, however, may be a complete surprise. And that’s what Henderson native Donald C. Seifert got on the occasion of his 90th birthday – a surprise.
From North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.
Seifert became a member of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian honor.
His four children presented him with the framed certificate during a recent gathering that he thought was going to be a celebration of family birthdays. It was a birthday celebration, complete with cake and singing of “Happy Birthday,” but he said he wasn’t expecting what happened next.
“When (son) Clem started his remarks, I started to smell a rat,” Seifert told John C. Rose for Monday’s “The Local Skinny!” broadcast. “I thought, ‘oh me, I’m not prepared for this.’”
With his four children standing before the gathering of about 125, Seifert made his way up to the microphone, collecting his thoughts as he passed through the audience, who was giving him a standing ovation. “I remembered a little story about Rufus Edmisten,” he said, and proceeded to tell the story about the time Edmisten stood before a group that had stood up for him as he approached the microphone to offer remarks.
“He said, ‘Y’all don’t fool me with that standing ovation – you’re just looking for an excuse to stand up, stretch your legs and straighten your underwear.’”
Seifert summed up the remainder of his remarks from Oct. 2 and said he told a story from Ron Cava, pastor of First Baptist Church. He said Cava had shared a quick and easy way to talk about God’s grace and mercy. Grace is when you receive things that you don’t deserve and mercy is when you don’t get something that you DO deserve.
Seifert said receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is definitely an example of God’s grace because he certainly didn’t feel deserving of the honor.
Danny Wright and others would beg to differ, however.
Wright, who serves with Seifert on the Vance-Granville Community College Board of Trustees, submitted the nomination, and several people in the community who have worked alongside Seifert over the years were asked to submit letters of recommendation to accompany the nomination. Henderson-Vance Chamber President Michele Burgess, Vance-Granville Community College Endowment Executive Director Eddie Ferguson and the Rev. Donald Lowery, rector at The Church of the Holy Innocents all wrote letters in support of the nomination.
In her letter, Burgess cited Seifert’s “tremendous community spirit” and a desire to work for the betterment of his hometown and county as shining examples of his civic leadership. “Mr. Seifert is a man of integrity and is a very respected member of our community. He is fair to all and shows compassion for those less fortunate.”
Seifert serves as assistant treasurer for his church, The Church of the Holy Innocents, and Rev. Lowery said one of the things he relies on Seifert for is maintaining the rector’s discretionary fund. Seifert has “a heart for charitable needs in our community,” Lowery wrote. “As a person who both donates to it…(and) who balances it on my behalf, he makes sure it is able to do the work it is established to do. I am grateful for this.”
Seifert has been a member of the VGCC board for many years and was its chair from 2003 to 2012. His family established an endowed scholarship a few years ago to honor Seifert and his wife of 61 years, Betsy.
“Donald is humble and shuns any limelight; however, his thoughts and counsel have proven time and time again to be encouraging and insightful. Donald not only symbolizes the ‘best in people,’ but he also models those attributes daily in the life he lives,” Ferguson wrote.
One of those attributes, surely, is humility. He said he appreciates the honor, and it was especially meaningful that his children presented it to him.
“It was one of the proudest and most humbling experiences of my life,” he said, reading from the letter of thanks that he sent the governor. And so as to put a face with a name, Seifert said he enclosed a photograph of him, his wife, their children and grandchildren taken the night he was presented with Cooper’s gift.
Granville County’s David Smith was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine earlier this week. The award is one of the most prestigious in North Carolina and comes from the Governor.
Smith, presently chairman of the Granville County Commissioners, is a former Sheriff of Granville County.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine society’s web page (https://longleafpinesociety.org/) indicates North Carolina Governors have presented the award since 1963 “for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.”
Comm. David Smith, District 2, is pictured with his family as Granville County’s Clerk to the Board, Debra Weary, administers the oath Dec 3, 2018. (Photo Credit: County of Granville)
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wizsfbresize_0001s_0062_granvillecountyseal.png.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2020-12-16 20:05:552020-12-16 20:05:55Granville County’s David Smith Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Retiring Vance-Granville Community College Trustee L. Opie Frazier, Jr., of Henderson, the longest-serving Trustee in the history of the college, was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at the July 16 meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Members of his family gathered with Trustees in the Board Room on the Main Campus at the start of the meeting for a surprise presentation honoring Frazier’s 41 years of service.
“There is only one L. Opie Frazier, Jr. … During his tenures, Mr. Frazier could be counted on for strong leadership and support of the college,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, the college president, who presented the award on behalf of North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.
Appointed by then Gov. Bob Scott in 1971, Frazier began service while the college was still named Vance County Technical Institute and was occupying the former Maria Parham Hospital building on Chestnut Street in downtown Henderson.
L. Opie Frazier, Jr., center, poses with his Order of the Long Leaf Pine award received from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and presented to Frazier on July 16 by Vance-Granville Community College President Dr. Stelfanie Williams. With him are Dr. Williams, left, and VGCC Board of Trustees Chair Danny W. Wright. (VGCC Photo)
“He was here when the college expanded to include Granville County and became Vance-Granville Technical Institute, and he helped lead the college into a four-county service institution, embracing Franklin and Warren counties, with a community college status,” Dr. Williams said.
He served during his first tenure until 1996, leaving the board then while his wife was serving as a nursing instructor at VGCC. He returned in 2002 after being reappointed by the Vance County Board of Education.
“It has been a privilege,” said Frazier, who, visibly moved by the honor, first described himself as speechless but continued, “I have received a whole lot more by serving on this board than I have given. And I think when each of you (fellow Trustees) leave the board you will be able to say the same thing.
“Serving on the board has been one of the joys of my life,” Frazier said. “To be involved in the growth of this institution and to see the benefit that it has paid to our citizens, and when you see people who have jobs here, good jobs, because of having attended this institution, you just can’t be anything but proud of what this institution has been able to provide for our people. Those of you who are still serving, keep it up. Keep it up!”
In her presentation, Dr. Williams noted that Frazier has led several committees of the Board of Trustees and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the college’s Endowment Fund. “He has provided responsible leadership as Vance-Granville’s Endowment has awarded more than 9,000 scholarships since its inception,” she said.
The family of L. Opie Frazier, Jr., was on hand as the VGCC Trustee was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine certificate from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. From left are Gary Frazier of Henderson, Frazier’s son; Katherine Frazier, his wife; Randy Thompson, his son-in-law; Frazier; Pamela Frazier Thompson, his daughter; Rebecca Payne, his granddaughter, who is the daughter of the Thompsons; Gregory Scott, his son-in-law; and Gayle Frazier Scott, his daughter. He also has three other grandchildren, Laura Ferrara, Sadie Scott and Peggy Scott, and a great-grandchild. (VGCC Photo)
She added, too, that he has been committed to the local community in other ways as well — a member of the Henderson City Council, a president of the Henderson Kiwanis Club, a church deacon at First Baptist Church of Henderson, a member of the Salvation Army advisory board, and a charter member of the United Way of Vance County’s board of directors.
Frazier is among only a half dozen community college trustees in the state who have served more than 40 years, according to the North Carolina Association of Community College Trustees.
“We’ve been able to count on Mr. Frazier for thoughtful and sound advice,” said Trustee Chair Danny W. Wright, who was among those who nominated Frazier for the Long Leaf Pine honor. “He has brought to our discussions an historical perspective that has helped up make good decisions, and he has demonstrated a desire to see the college take on new projects to meet the changing needs of the four counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren served by the college.”
The Rev. Marion D. Lark, former pastor of First Baptist, also making a nomination to the governor, wrote, “Humility and kindness are significant hallmarks of Opie Frazier. He has many other fine qualities as a family man, a businessman, community leader and churchman, but none surpass humility and kindness, which he exhibits to everyone day in and day out.”
Frazier and his wife, Katherine, have three children, Gary Frazier of Henderson, Pam Thompson of Burlington and Gayle Scott of Burlington. They have four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Frazier’s term expired this year and a new appointment will be made by the Vance County Board of Education.
https://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/VGCC-Trustee-Opie-Frazier.png265504WIZS Staffhttps://wizs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/wizswebsitelogoimage.pngWIZS Staff2018-07-17 17:00:482018-07-17 17:00:48VGCC Trustee L. Opie Frazier Jr. Awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine
