North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper Dustin Efird was honored today by Halifax County commissioners for actions in July which helped rescue a nurse who languished in her bath tub for three nights after taking a fall.
“This is an example of how law enforcement works together,” Sheriff Wes Tripp said in recognizing Efird for heroism. “We rely heavily on troopers. They rely heavily on us. This is an act of heroism and bravery. Because of this our nurse survived.”
Renee Washington, the nurse who slipped, works at the Halifax County Detention Center.
After she managed to get out of the tub she used the remote to flash the lights of her truck, which parked in the driveway of her Halifax home.
The trooper noticed something was wrong as he was coming back from a call. He turned around after seeing the lights of Washington’s truck flash and found her screaming for help.
“He’s one of our great assets in the county,” said First Sergeant M.O. Silveri. “This action is not surprising.”
Efird thanked the board for recognizing him.
Major Jay Burch, administrator of the jail, said Washington continues to recover. “She’s doing a lot better. She has an appointment in October to see if she’ll be released from the doctors.”
{gallery}halifaxcommissioners96{/gallery}
Deputy honored
The board also honored Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Austin Holland for providing information which helped the Scotland Neck Police Department solve a murder.
“This is going above and beyond the call of duty,” Tripp said. I’m grateful having him serving on the sheriff’s office.”
“You never know what you can do with other agencies,” Holland said. “Working together works.”
Bryant recognized
Meanwhile, the board honored Senator Angela Bryant for her service to the county.
The resolution comes as another round of redistricting is on the table.
“It’s a joy serving as you as senator,” she said. “It’s not the first time they’ve tried to force me out of the district. The redistricting could move me out of the district but nothing is final. There’s much work to do and many unfinished projects to be worked on.”
“Bryant has proven to be a dedicated and extraordinary public servant who has gained the admiration and respect of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners and the citizens of Halifax County,” the resolution said.
The resolution notes Bryant has “demonstrated strong leadership, wisdom, creativity and community spirit while serving on the North Carolina General Assembly, thus enhancing community services, economic development, education, health, transportation and improving Halifax County’s unique quality of life.”
Board Chair Vernon Bryant said, “She and (Representative) Michael Wray, when they’re called upon, they respond 100 percent.”
Scotland Neck 150th anniversary
Commissioners presented Scotland Neck Mayor Eddie Braxton a resolution recognizing the 150th anniversary of the town.
In 1722, a colony of Scotch Highlanders led by Lord Naim settled in the bend of the Roanoke River. “The name Scotland Neck first described the small communities that clustered around this original settlement.”
Nearly 150 years later, John Hyman adopted the name for the town and it was incorporated in 1867. It remains the only town in North Carolina with parking in the middle of Main Street.
“The legacy on which the town of Scotland Neck continues to thrive is demonstrated by its growth, leadership, wisdom, creativity and community spirit while enhancing its unique quality of life and natural resources that consist of beautiful farmland, wildlife and the Roanoke River.”
Said Braxton: “I appreciate the county working with us. We are making progress. Good things are happening.”
