The Southern Pines Fire Department posthumously honored firefighter Carol Dowd with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award on May 14 at Fire Station No. 82.
North Carolina’s highest honor celebrates individuals’ outstanding service and achievements benefiting the state and their communities. Its creation in 1964 led to over 21,000 people receiving the award. To be nominated, individuals must have a minimum of 30 years of service to the state.
The fire department nominated Dowd months ago and may update their protocol to nominate service members as soon as they are eligible.
Joining the department as a volunteer in 1976, Dowd was the first female firefighter to serve in Moore County. She passed away in March at the age of 69.
“Carol worked for the best interest of the fire department and was the first to greet and train newcomers,” Southern Pines Fire Chief Mike Cameron said at the ceremony.
Cameron read several of Dowd’s colleagues’ recommendations for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award and shared their most outstanding comments: “Decades as a pillar of strength…caring for the sick…unwavering support, embodies the full spirit of the fire department…inspiring leadership…commendable service.”
Assistant Chief Martin Dowd said his wife was a dedicated and inspirational leader, a steadfast member of the fire department, and a devoted person.
The couple attended high school together, and Martin said he didn’t know Carol then, but she said she knew him. They met again in 1978 when he joined the fire department.
Carol has one son, Bryon Smith, who is a retired North Carolina Highway patrolman.
Feature Photo: Martin Dowd accepts the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award on behalf of his late wife, Carol Dowd, at a ceremony at the Southern Pines Fire Station No. 82 on May 14.
~Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel journalist Stephanie M. Sellers. Stephanie is also an English instructor at Central Carolina Community College. She is the author of When the Yellow Slugs Sing, Sky’s River Stone, GUTTERSNIPE: Shakespearean English Stage Play with Translation, Amagi, Amagi Study Guide, and EZ Essay Study Guide for Holocaust: A History.
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