Shaw receives Order of Long Leaf Pine
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on July 7, 2009 1:46 PM
Howard "Buddy" Shaw of Goldsboro has been awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor the governor can bestow on a North Carolina resident.
Shaw received the honor at the annual convention of the state Association of Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. It was presented by Gordon Joyner, executive director of the association, on behalf of Gov. Beverly Perdue.
A former Wayne County commissioner and Goldsboro City Council member as well as a longtime emergency medical officer, Shaw served Wayne County's emergency and EMS for 28 years. He also has been a member of the state organization since 1960 and is a now a lifetime member, having served as its commander on six occasions.
Shaw received the Goldsboro Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award in 1972 and was chosen as one of North Carolina's Five Outstanding Young Men the same year. He was selected for "Who's Who in North Carolina" in 1976.
He retired from the state Office of Emergency Medical Services in 1999. He served as supervisor of the Eastern Region for 10 years and was coordinator for the region for 15 years prior to that. Shaw also worked for 37 years as an official with the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.
Drexdal Pratt, chief of the Office of Emergency Medical Services, described Shaw as a true public servant. "Throughout his career, Buddy has demonstrated a dedication to the concept of service through his work that transcends any job description."