Captain Kenny receives the Order of the Longleaf Pine
By Outer Banks Voice on February 2, 2022
Captain Kenny, with his Long Leaf Pine award, pictured with (left to right) his future daughter-in-law Zoe, son Shawn, wife Kim and son Ian.
(Town of Nags Head)
When Nags Head Fire Captain John Kenny retired in January 2001 – having been named Earl Murray, Jr. Employee of the Year in 2020 – he had the distinction of being Nags’ last firefighter. Head to have been to each of the city’s stations since. became a city department – working first from the original station across from Jockey’s Ridge State Park, then moving to the station across from City Hall, then to South Station Nags Head.
Kenny has also served as Acting Chief and Acting Director of Sea Rescue at various times in his career. And Nags’ former chief commissioner Webb Fuller, who served as city manager for many of the years Kenny worked for Nags Head, described him as the town’s ‘go-to guy’ who was always there. when you needed him. (The “go-to guy” in Nags Head)
Today, February 2, the Town of Nags Head released an announcement about Kenny receiving two prestigious state awards.
Brent Heath, Deputy State Fire Marshal for the North Carolina Department of Insurance and Office of the State Fire Marshal, presented the Department Commissioner’s Award. The award recognizes those who have given of themselves for the benefit and welfare of others. Captain Kenny has done that in the 33+ years he has spent with passion and courage protecting our community.
After the presentation of the Heath State Deputy Marshal of Fires, Nags Head Mayor Ben Cahoon and the Board of Commissioners surprised Captain Kenny with the Order of the Longleaf Pine.
Presented to individuals who have a proven track record of extraordinary service to the state, the Order of the Longleaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards bestowed by the Governor of North Carolina. Some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected for the award include contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations.
The Facebook post added this note to Kenny: “We know you’re not one to rest on your laurels. We look forward to seeing you sitting on a lifeguard station or on the Sea Rescue ATV, always hard at work protecting our community. You are an inspiration.”
