LAURINBURG — The shock and surprise that registered on the face of Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin “Duke” Williams during Tuesday’s City Council meeting was priceless, but understandable. After all, he’d just found out he was being presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award.
The award is the highest honor for any resident in the state of North Carolina bestowed by the governor, and after 26 years in law enforcement, Williams was presented with the award in front of friends, family and fellow officers who remained hidden until State Rep. Garland Pierce began speaking.
“We had three outstanding letters from folks in this city … most of them talked about his relationship with young people and how he really worked over the years with young people and making a difference,” Pierce said. “I know there are many young boys and girls who Chief Williams has tutored over the years, that he’s worked with and he’s made a difference in some of their lives to make them go in the right direction.”
Williams has volunteered with Scotland County Parks and Recreation as a coach and, during his time Shop with a Cop, began to give local children gifts for Christmas.
“I don’t do anything for awards,” Williams said. “Anytime I receive an award I always thank my mom — I have the easy job, (but) my mother worked at a factory and sent three of her five kids to college … if someone gives you a nickel, she taught me to give a nickel back.”
He spoke on how she taught him to be loyal, honest, up front and to treat people how you want to be treated.
“I do love this community, I cherish this community — this community helped nurture me,” Williams said. “It helped develop me. I won’t shy away and I will continue to stand for this community and for our youth and for the growth of our community. Is it perfect? No, but no community is perfect.”
Williams added that he is grateful for the community and his staff, as well as looking forward to seeing them take his place by taking the youth and leading them.
“You’re a great role model in our community and you’re doing great work,” Pierce told Williams. “You have a love for everyone and I know you hate to see anyone in trouble, but you do a good job making a difference doing what you need to do when it calls for you to do that.”
Reach Katelin Gandee at 910-506-3171 or at kgandee@laurinburgexch.wpenginepowered.com
