The Town of Franklin celebrated service and sacrifice during its November 2 council meeting, adding an honorary member to the police force and recognizing town staff for taking on new duties.
The meeting was a reminder that the people of Franklin support each other in good times and bad in this close-knit community, and service never wavers.
Azzi Kate honorary police officer
Flanked by uniformed members and essential staff of the Franklin police department, police chief Devin Holland called up Abigail McCarson with her three-month-old daughter, Azzi Kate. The McCarsons had been dealt a staggering loss of their husband and father, police officer Marcus McCarson, in September.
Looking at Azzi Kate, Holland said, “She represents the hope, faith, and strength that we all need daily.”
“Although she has lost her living father, she has gained an entire family within the Franklin police department,” he said. “People will stand beside her, support her, protect her, and love her throughout her life.”
With her mother helping hold her right hand on her late father’s bible, Azzi Kate was then sworn in by Holland.
Holland called upon her to honor her mother, who cares for the memory of Marcus McCarson, to support the rules, laws, and Constitution of the United States, to remain honest and stand up for what was right, and to continue her education so that she could be the best version of herself.
Azzi Kate was a trooper through the whole ceremony, including holding up the new plaque provided with her commission.
Incoming Franklin Police Chief Matt Pellicer also presented Abigail and Azzi Kate with a $5,000 check from the Gary Sinise Foundation (above). The Sinise Foundation serves U.S. military members, veterans, first responders and their families.
Here is Chief Holland’s full speech and oath:
Good evening, Mayor and members of the Town Council.
First, I want to thank you for allowing time for this very special ceremony.
As you know, I will be retiring on December 1st. Before I close this chapter of my career, there are a few things I hope to accomplish. One of those things is to swear in an honorary police officer, who I believe will be the first in the history of the Franklin Police Department.
The very young lady who will be taking this oath is a shining light to her family and to the men and women of the Franklin Police Department.
She has been the solace in times of grief. She brings smiles when hearts are heavy. She represents the hope, faith, and strength that we all need daily and for the future.
At just three months old, she is the strength for her family during the most difficult of times.
Although she has lost her loving father, she has gained an entire family of aunts and uncles within the Franklin Police Department who will stand beside her, support her, protect her, and love her throughout her life.
Although my time as Chief of Police is coming to an end, I want this ceremony to represent something that will last long after my retirement. The badge she receives today is more than a symbol of the Franklin Police Department. It is a promise that she will always have a family here, and that she will never have to walk through life without knowing that there are people who care deeply about her.
Oath:
Azzi Kate McCarson
I am entrusting and commissioning you with the following oath as you become an Honorary Police Officer of the Franklin Police Department.
- Always put God first in everything you do throughout your life.
- Honor your mother and cherish the memory of your father.
- Respect and uphold the rules, laws, and Constitution of the United States.
- Treat others with kindness, dignity, and respect.
- Remain humble and courageous throughout your life.
- Do good deeds and serve others without expecting anything in return.
- Always be honest and demonstrate integrity in everything you do.
- Stand up for what is right, even when faced with adversity.
- Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
- Continue to educate your mind and seek experiences that help you become the best version of yourself.
- Strive to be an outstanding student, a loyal employee, and an amazing friend.
- Take great care of your body and mind, for they will carry you through life’s journey.
- Always strive to be the best person you can be for yourself, your family, and your friends.
Let this oath serve as a guiding foundation for your character, your decisions, and the person you become throughout your blessed life.
With great pride, I now affirm and recognize you as:
HONORARY POLICE OFFICER AZZI KATE McCARSON
May you always wear this title with pride, carry yourself with honor, and remember that the greatest measure of a person is not what they receive in life, but what they give to others.
Recognizing town staff, interim town manager
Public works, an often unsung but essential town service, got a moment in the spotlight as William Allen, lab supervisor, was recognized for achieving his maintenance Technician 3 certification by Jason Hopkins, wastewater treatment plant supervisor/ORC.
“He’s probably done more for the town of Franklin than probably everybody in this room put together,” Hopkins said referring to Allen’s more than 32 years of service.
Hopkins was then recognized for his advancement in achieving Lab Analyst 1 certification by Bill Deal, public works director. Deal said the certification was achieved via hands-on learning and on-the-job training.
Surrounded by her family, Sarah Bishop was sworn in (below) as the new interim town manager. In addition to tackling this new set of duties, Bishop recently completed the leading for results course from the UNC School of Government.
Bishop, who also serves as the town’s finance director, takes over duties handed off by Amie Owens while the search for a permanent replacement is conducted.
Fire department grants, planning approved
With so many recognition ceremonies concluded, and not a few tears wiped away, the TOF council dispensed with some regular business during the short meeting that followed.
- The council approved two grants for the Franklin Fire & Rescue – one from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in the amount of $14,757 and one from Chemtec in the amount of $10,000. Chief Justin Setser noted that Assistant Chief Ryan Hursey has been instrumental in grant writing to obtain additional funding for the department.
- Kim Leister was reappointed for a three-year term to the town planning board/board of adjustment. And,
- The council agreed to move forward with the application for a North Carolina Department of Transportation grant. The grant could provide up to $60,000 for a feasibility study to improve access points and walkways at the Iotla Street connector to the Cullusaja Greenway/Little Tennesse Greenway spur. If NCDOT approves the grant, the town will be asked to provide 20% in matching funds.
