ROCKINGHAM — Chavis Everett was one of seven state employees recognized earlier this year in the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Excellence.
Chavis Everett was honored in October with the award for Public Safety by the Office of State Human Resources in October.
Everett joined the Department of Adult Correction in 2000 as a parole officer and works in Division 3 District 20, which includes Richmond, Anson, Stanly and Union counties.
However, according to the biography sheet for the award, “ … it is his contribution to his neighbors outside of work that has cemented Everett as a paragon of generosity and public service within his community.”
“Always willing to lend a hand, Everett is known by those around him for the many ways in which he gives his time to others,” reads his bio. “In addition to regularly volunteering at his church and local community center, Everett goes above and beyond to care for an often-neglected population within his community – the elderly.
“Everett is skilled with a chainsaw and puts his talents to use throughout the year, especially as temperatures drop during the winter. Everett voluntarily cuts and removes dead trees from neighbors’ property to prevent potential damage to homes and help them reduce costs. From there, he chops the wood and delivers it to elderly individuals in need to ensure they have firewood to heat their homes.
“Cutting fallen trees, removing them and chopping wood can be backbreaking. Not to mention, most lack the skillset and physical strength to tackle such demanding work. Yet, Everett does so without complaint and with no reward outside of the gratitude of his neighbors. By checking in on his elder neighbors throughout the frigid months, Everett is not just tending to their physical needs; he provides them with valuable social connection during a time of year when they might otherwise feel isolated.”
Hazel Robinson said in a video that when Everett does something, “he does it from the heart.”
Chief Probation Officer Brandon Dowd said Everett gives his time to help the less fortunate in addition to his job helping the offender population.
See the short video below.
Awards were also given in the categories of:
Gov. Roy Cooper issued a video message to the winners.
“I’m so grateful for the work our thousands of state employees do to help communities and people across North Carolina,” Cooper said. “Their efforts help make our state a better and stronger place to live, work and raise a family.
“And every year, I am blown away by the extraordinary work done by my fellow state employees who are honored at this ceremony,” Cooper continued. “This year’s recipients did critical work in a variety of areas, going above and beyond to make a positive impact on our state and on the lives of North Carolinans.
“Thank you for your commitment to North Carolina. Congratulations on this well-deserved award.”
