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By Erin Smith
On Wednesday, a longtime member of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine during his retirement ceremony. Captain Jeff Bridgers, who has worked with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years, was joined by his family, friends and co-workers on Tuesday for a retirement luncheon.
Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker opened the luncheon by acknowledging Captain Bridgers’ family for their commitment and sacrifices throughout Captain Bridgers’ law enforcement career.
“He is well thought of by us and everybody else,” said Sheriff McVicker.
NC Representative William Brisson presented Captain Bridgers with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
“It is indeed a great honor for me to be here with you today for this celebration for Jeff (Bridgers) and, on behalf of the State of North Carolina, I have an award that is the highest award given by the State of North Carolina to a citizen of North Carolina,” said Rep. Brisson.
He read the Order of the Long Leaf Pine aloud before officially presenting it to Captain Bridgers:
The State of North Carolina Roy Cooper, Governor, preposed special confidence in the integrity learning and zeal of Jeffrey Lowder Bridgers. I do by these presents confer the Order of the Long Leaf Pine with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary privileged to enjoy fully all rights granted to members of this exalted order among which is the special privilege to propose the following North Carolina Toast in select company anywhere in the free world:
‘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!”
Rep. Brisson also thanked Captain Bridgers for his year’s of service.
Also, during the luncheon, Chief Deputy Larry Guyton presented Captain Bridgers with his service revolver. Chief Deputy Guyton said Captain Bridgers joined the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office in 1986.
“I’m going to miss him both professionally and personally,” said Chief Deputy Guyton.
Sheriff McVicker stepped up to the podium for the next presentation. Captain Bridgers was presented with a print called “10-42” which was done by Bladen County Artist Kathy Bunn, wife of retired Sheriff Steve Bunn. Sheriff McVicker explained to the large group gathered that 10-42 means end of watch. This was the first one to be presented.
“When I came here in 1988, I met Jeff Bridgers. I’ve known him the whole time I’ve been here,” said Sheriff McVicker. He said Captain Bridgers sees things through and handles tasks quickly. He noted he will be missed by his co-workers.
Captain Bridgers took a moment to recognize retired Magistrate Leroy Register. He noted Register retired from the Magistrates Office with 35 years of service. Captain Bridgers said Register was the first jailer for the Sheriff’s Office.
“I wanted to recognize him, too,” said Captain Bridgers.
Captain Bridgers was also presented with a set of credentials for retirement.
Captain Bridgers’ brother, Wayne, also took a moment to speak.
“Jeff, I’m so proud of you. I was an SBI agent and I hate to say this, but I did my best to talk him out of going into law enforcement. I just didn’t want my little brother to get hurt,” said Wayne Bridgers.
He noted that Captain Bridgers received excellent training throughout his career and showed everyone respect.
Captain Bridgers also briefly worked for the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office and former Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten briefly spoke. Batten praised Captain Bridgers work during his tenure in Columbus County.
Others also spoke of their friendship with Captain Bridgers as well as the fact they will miss working with him. Thursday will mark his last day at the Sheriff’s Office due to the Easter holiday.
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