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By Charlotte Smith

Recognitions were made at the first meeting in June by the Bladen County Board of County Commissioners. An oath of office, recognition of 42 years of service and an elder abuse proclamation were a few of the items on the agenda.

Surrounded by family, Russell Priest, Bladen County Commissioner for District 3 took the oath of office. The Honorable Niki Dennis, Bladen County Clerk of Superior Court, administered the oath. Commissioner Priest was relieved to finally be able to take part in the long awaited swearing in ceremony.

Priest won the general election in November 2018, however due to an election investigation, the North Carolina Election Board did not certify the District 3 Commissioner race results. Therefore, Priest had to run for office again in a special election. Last month the election board certified Priest as the winner of the District 3 race. After the ceremony, Priest said he was glad it was over and that it was all behind him..

Chairman Charles Ray Peterson and the entire Board of Commissioners recognized the Tar Heel Rescue Squad for its dedicated service over the past 42 years. Tar Heel Rescue Squad representatives Mindie Bowman and Tim Brown accepted the plaque of appreciation.

“Unfortunately due to economic changes the way that rescue squads are provided has changed and the squad closed effective April 1st so we just want to take time this evening to recognize them and thank them for their service,” Bladen County Manager, Greg Martin said.

The Tar Heel Rescue Squad was founded in January 1, 1977 and recently dissolved officially on April 1, 2019. Martin noted the numerous lives that have been positively impacted by the services the Tar Heel Rescue Squad offered the community.

“We can’t thank you enough for that service and we just want to take time to recognize you for that,” Martin said to the emergency responders.

The two squad members accepted the plaque and thanked the officals for the recognitions.

Last but not least, Division on Aging Director Kelly Robeson and Department of Social Services Director Vickie Smith accepted an Elder Abuse Awareness Proclamation. June is designated as National Elder Abuse awareness month.

A short video regarding elder abuse was provided for the commissioners and those in attendance to view to bring awareness about the issue this month.