03/28/2024
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RALEIGH – The State Highway Patrol honored 55 sworn and 11 civilian members today during a promotional ceremony held at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary.

First Sgt. C. M. Hardee, who is currently assigned to Troop B Cumberland County, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and his new duty station will be Troop B Headquarters.  Lt. Hardee has also served in the past in Troop B Columbus County.

The ceremony began with an invocation offered by Pastor Steve Stadtmiller followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Trp. Joey Garrett.  Offering welcome and remarks to those in attendance, Colonel Glenn McNeill Jr. spoke of the expectations required by each individual rank.

“Your new position requires the acceptance and affirmation of an oath, a commitment to God, country, state, to North Carolina’s citizens and to your colleagues,” said McNeill.  “Your sworn commitment is that you will, to the best of your ability, perform the duties of your office.”

Providing the keynote address, Governor Roy Cooper commended the excellent work demonstrated by each member, focusing on the attribute of leadership.

“To be a leader, you must be willing to do yourself anything you order someone else to do. You must set an example with your actions as well as your words,” said Cooper.  “I’m grateful every single day for the service of law enforcement officers across our state, particularly the men and women of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.  True leadership is a quality in short supply but I believe each of you have exhibited the qualities that make you a leader.”

The oath of office for each respective sworn rank was administered by Anita Earls, Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.  Following the oath, Lt. Colonel Alan Melvin recognized civilian members receiving a promotion.  Concluding the service, a benediction was offered by SHP Chaplain Phillip Bland.

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