Former Smithfield Fire Chief and current Johnston County Republican Party Vice Chairman Patrick Harris has been awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
NC Senator Brent Jackson presented the Order on behalf of Gov. Pat McCrory at Harris’ recent Retirement Celebration.
Harris retired June 30th from the Town of Smithfield.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is North Carolina’s highest civilian honor and was awarded to Harris in recognition of his exemplary career as a firefighter. Harris started in the profession in 1986 with the NC Division of Forest Resources and eight years later moved to the Smithfield Fire Department where he became the town’s first Fire Inspector. His service culminated in his becoming Fire Chief – a post he has held since 2003.
He was awarded the NC Governor’s Award for Bravery and Heroism in 1995. He was chosen as one of North Carolina’s five outstanding public servants by the NC Jaycees in 2002. He previously served as President of the Johnston County Fireman’s Association, President of the Johnston County Fire Chief’s Association, and Vice Chairman of the Emergency Services Advisory Committee for the Johnston County Board of Commissioners.
Harris and his wife Victoria are the owners of Smithfield Crossings Family Healthcare and Urgent Care of Smithfield.
