Community Heroes

Sarah Pickhardt, Emergency Management Division Chief, received recognition for her outstanding service to the people of Orange County at the 2021 Salute to Community Heroes, hosted by The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Her exemplary performance during the ongoing COVID pandemic makes Sarah well-deserving of her award as Orange County Emergency Services Employee of the Year. Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders, sponsor Edward Green and I were pleased and proud to present the award to Sarah.

Investigator Dylan Ray Hendricks of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office also received an award as Deputy of the Year. During the comments, Dylan was commended for his tenacity in solving cases and making Orange County a safer place to live.

Ten first responders in all were celebrated on Dec. 16, at the Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel. honored in addition to Pickhardt and Hendricks were: Carrboro Firefighter of the Year, Carrboro Police Officer of the Year, Chapel Hill Firefighter of the Year, Chapel Hill Police Officer of the Year, Orange Rural Fire Department Firefighter of the Year, South Orange Rescue Squad Member of the Year, UNC Hospitals Officer of the Year, and UNC Police Officer of the Year.

Congratulations to our 2021 local heroes.

The Winners

The Cedar Ridge High School Women’s Volleyball Team captured the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s (NCHSAA) 3A State Championship with their victory in the state finals on Nov. 16, 2021. In recognition of this wonderful achievement, the BOCC approved and presented a proclamation to Coach Fiona Cunningham and the entire winning team, at our Dec. 14 meeting.

“NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed that the Orange County Board of Commissioners expresses its sincere appreciation and respect to the Cedar Ridge High School Women’s Volleyball Team and Coach Fiona Cunningham for the team’s outstanding achievement, and their inspiration to youth across North Carolina through their dedication, teamwork, and athletic prowess.”

This win by the Team and Cunningham represents their first NCHSAA title.

Congratulations!

Safe and Happy Holidays to all

This has been a challenging year as we continue to navigate uncharted courses due to the pandemic. We got the vaccines, and then came Delta; we got the boosters and along came Omicron. Health officials still say that the best defense against COVID19 and its variants is to get fully vaccinated and get the booster.

Please note that the mask mandate for indoor public spaces is still in effect. The mayors and I will be meeting with the Health Director shortly after the first of the year to assess our situation.

While you are gathering with family and friends for the winter holidays, please be cautious as you make merry. I wish one and all a most joyous and wonderful winter holiday season!

www.orangecountync.gov