State Honors — In the photo at left, State Representative Jim Harrell presents the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to former commissioner and long-time rescue squad volunteer Charity Gambill. In the photo at right, Harrell presents the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to former commissioner chair and local volunteer Ken Richardson.

Two former commissioners net statewide honor

Two former Alleghany County commissioners were given one of the state of North Carolina's highest honors — The Order of the Long Leaf Pine — in a special reception and ceremony on Dec. 12 in Sparta.

Charity Gambill and Ken Richardson were both honored for their service to the county and the state at the event, held in the conference room at Blue Ridge Electric Membership Cooperative's Sparta office. The awards were presented to the duo by newly-elected State Representative Jim Harrell (D-Surry).

Both Gambill and Richardson have long records of service to the county, both in local government and in volunteer capacities. A brief description of their service and information obtained from recent interviews is printed below.

Ken Richardson

While Richardson said he knew that a reception was planned, the honor came as a surprise.

"I walked in and I saw two things covered up with a cloth," said Richardson. "I knew of the reception but I knew of no honor to be bestowed on Commissioner Gambill or I either one."

Upon receiving the accolade, Richardson said, "I felt very humble. This is the second state award that I have received. Gov. Hunt presented me the Governor's Award for service to Alleghany County in 1983. I feel very pleased that I could receive recognition from two governors of North Carolina.

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