ELIZABETHTOWN — The three-decade career of Capt. Jeff Bridgers with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office recently with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award and a retirement ceremony on Wednesday.

The Long Leaf Pine award was presented to Bridgers by N.C. House Rep. William Brisson, who read from the plaque of the governor “reposing special confidence in the integrity, learning, and zeal of Jeffrey Lowder Bridgers.” The highest honor bestowed by the state of North Carolina, the award is bequeathed by the governor.

During the service, Bridgers was presented with his service revolver by Maj. Larry Guyton, who expressed that Bridgers would be missed at the Sheriff’s Office.

“He was an excellent employee, and dedicated,” Guyton said. “He’s honest, and he cares about the people of this county and went out of his way to help them.”

The former captain was also presented with a “10-42” print signifying the end of watch. The Sheriff’s Office commissioned Kathy Bunn, White Lake artist and wife of retired Bladen County Sheriff Steve Bunn, for the piece. The first of its kind, the artwork was presented by Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker, who noted Bridgers’ persistence and quick action on the job.

“I’ve known Jeff since 1998 when I first came to Bladen County,” McVicker said later. “He’s a good character and a good family man, and he was a good deputy and very loyal to me and the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. He will truly be missed.”

Bridgers spent more than three decades working for the Sheriff’s Office, after briefly worked for the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

Bridgers’ retirement was officially effective at the end of his shift on Thursday.

Also on Thursday, the BCSO held a promotion ceremony. Andrew Powell was promoted to captain, Sean Gibson and James Daniels to corporal, and Richard Allen to first sergeant.

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163 or emailing ccarroll@bladenjournal.com.

Chrysta Carroll

Bladen Journal