THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY
At Monday evening’s Henderson City Council meeting, City Manager Frank Frazier was presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina government’s highest civilian honor.
Since 1963, NC governors have reserved this honor for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
Frank Frazier (center), wife Sherri, son Chad & Chad’s fiancé Morgan stand with Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington as Betty Jo Shepheard, a representative from US Senator Richard Burr’s office, presents Frazier with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. (Photo courtesy Steve Cordell)
Persons named to The Order become North Carolina “ambassadors” with their names and award dates recorded on a roster maintained by The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington, along with Betty Jo Shepheard, Senator Richard Burr’s representative, presented an unsuspecting Frazier with the award.
“I was totally surprised and consider it a great honor,” said Frazier, who has been with the City for 35 years. “I was certainly not expecting that!”
In a night dedicated to swearing in newly elected City officials, Frazier, who is set to retire on January 31, 2020, was re-appointed to his position.
Since announcing his retirement plans in July, Frazier has been working with the City Council and Ellington to select a successor. WIZS recently received an update from Ellington that the field has been narrowed down, with an announcement expected soon.
In a continuation of honoring Frazier, WIZS sponsored a luncheon at 11 a.m. today at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market.
Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier (left) and John Charles Rose with WIZS (right) pictured at the WIZS-hosted luncheon honoring Frazier’s service to the City. The event was held on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at the Vance Country Regional Farmers Market. (WIZS photo)
Frazier said he was surprised yet again by an event held in his honor that included, among others, City and County staff and department heads, law enforcement, fire department officials and media representatives.
As the ongoing support of both entities has made his job possible, it was fitting to have this group in attendance, said Frazier.
“We’ve tried to build a team over the years and work together to get the job done no matter what,” Frazier explained. “No one entity can do it all, and we have to work together. What’s good for the City is good for the County.”
In his remarks, Ellington said Frazier leaves the City in excellent financial condition. “The entire time Frank Frazier has been manager, there has been no tax increase. We are in the best financial shape we’ve been in in the last decade.”
Vance County Commissioner and NC Senate District Three candidate Tommy Hester reiterated comments made on Frazier’s strong work ethic.
“You couldn’t ask for anybody any better than Frank; he is dedicated and from his heart. He works hard and he’s going to be difficult to replace. He’s a true friend to this county and a true friend to Henderson, NC.”
To hear the segment with Frazier in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.