Fayetteville Fire Chief Benny Nichols was awarded a certificate for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Nichols was presented the award at the Nov. 23 Fayetteville City Council meeting by Rep. Rick Glazier. The award is given to North Carolina residents in recognition of a proven record of service or special achievement. It is one of the highest honors the governor presents to a citizen.

Past recipients include such famous Tar Heels as Billy Graham, Maya Angelou, Michael Jordan, Bob Timberlake and Rick Hendrick, along with longtime state employees, prominent business executives and noted politicians, athletes, musicians, actors and advocates.