HENDERSON — N.C. Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey presented the Order of the Guardian award to Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell on Thursday.
Cordell has been Henderson’s fire chief since 2015. In all, he has served the city for over 30 years.
The Order of the Guardian is the top award bestowed by the insurance commissioner office.
“This is presented to Chief Steve Cordell in recognition of his character, integrity and years of service to the fire service and the city of Henderson,” Causey said Thursday at Henderson City Hall.
City Manager Terrell Blackmon presented to Cordell a special plaque of recognition for his three decades of service.
But Thursday was more than an awards ceremony — it was Cordell’s birthday.
“Look over at my buddy, Chief Cordell,” Mayor Eddie Ellington said. “He and I [had] run the halls of Vance High together for many years — of course, we got some stories we probably don’t want to tell here today — but, it’s a special day. And, we say that because we have a birthday, and it’s Chief Cordell’s birthday.
“With that being said, it’s another special day. One for our city, but one for our friend and our fire chief. Today, we have a proclamation.”
Ellington declared January 19 as Steve Cordell Day in recognition of the chief’s long career in the fire service and his love for his family and community.
Assistant Fire Chief Curtis Tyndall, the acting chief during Cordell’s ongoing fight with cancer, said Cordell has taught his firefighters to embrace the traditions of the fire service.
“Chief Cordell has been a member of this department for over 30 years and has contributed to the safety and the wellbeing of not only this community,” said Tyndall, “but countless fire districts across the state. He is arguably one of the best fire chiefs the city of Henderson has ever had…
“He never settles for second best when he knows that we, as an organization, could do better. He has the ability to draw the best out of all of us while keeping morale high. Through his leadership, this department has improved its services to the public we serve and gained the respect of its citizens, leaders and other fire chiefs across this great state and beyond.
Tyndall lauded Cordell for his work in training firefighters of the future and his active role in the community, such as coaching young athletes.
“In a time when people need guidance, he certainly answered the call. And today, I’d like to wish him, personally, happy birthday.”
City Councilwoman Melissa Elliott delivered an impassioned prayer for Cordell.
“It is not over until God says it’s over…” Elliott said. “We know [God] can do anything but fail.”
“Life is about moments,” Ellington said to the chief. “And this is your moment, today.”
He thanked Cordell for his service and the foundation he has laid for the fire department, the community and the “promise of tomorrow.”
“Thank you, and we love you,” Ellington said.
SAVE Awards
Earlier Thursday, Causey made a stop at the Vance County Emergency Services building on Bickett Street to present Vance County Fire Chief Chris Wright and Fire Engineer Tyler Crews with SAVE awards.
Crews and Wright rescued a woman from a structure fire at 689 Port Drive on March 27, 2022. Crews, after a secondary search of the property, found a door, behind which he found the victim. He and Wright conducted a two-person carry and got the victim to emergency medical care.
“Feels good,” Wright said of the award. “[We’re] humble about it. It’s something we don’t boast and brag about, but we do get a chance to recognize individuals for accomplishments, we try to. We don’t do it for awards. We don’t do it for accolades. We do it to protect and save, protect and serve the people.”
The two were awarded Medals of Valor at the Vance County Commissioners meeting in August 2022.
Newly-elected state Rep. Frank Sossamon was in attendance.
“I’m very proud of the work that all of our first responders, law enforcement officers, fire department personnel do,” Sossamon said. “And, probably every of them can receive some kind of award… What’s behind this — the story is just phenomenal, and it’s the kind of thing that they do, really, every day. We all should be more grateful when we see them. I certainly try my best not to be so preoccupied that I can’t stop and say, thank you for your service.”
Commissioner Sean Alston said the ceremony was “good for the county.”
“We, as the community, don’t actually see what they do on a day-to-day basis,” Alston said, “but to see them recognized in the efforts and the hard work that they do. It goes a long way in bringing the people together… I think it’s a beautiful thing.”
“It’s not only good for the county, or the region,” Causey said, “it’s good for the state of North Carolina. As the representative said, we thank our first responders every day, because they’re out there putting their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”
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