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RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 28, 2012) — Sgt. Anthony Sharum, a wildlife officer with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, received the 2012 Governor’s Award for Excellence for Outstanding Service on Nov. 27.
Sgt. Sharum, who is stationed in Rowan County, received the honor for exhibiting service and initiative far above the normal requirements of his job. He has contributed significantly to promoting the public image of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and of state employees as a whole.
The Governor’s Award for Excellence is the highest honor a state employee may receive. The award acknowledges and expresses appreciation for outstanding accomplishments that do not fall entirely within the scope of normal duties. The meritorious service is so singularly outstanding that special recognition is justified.
One example of Sgt. Sharum going above and beyond the call of duty happened last December. While charging a hunter for not having a hunting license, he learned the man was an unemployed single father with a 9-year-old daughter at home. They were living in a rented trailer without much furniture beyond a couch, a mattress and kerosene heater. Food was just as scarce. Sgt. Sharum recognized that the holidays looked rather bleak for them and he had just issued the father a ticket.
After processing the case, Sgt. Sharum initiated a project to help the family through his network of professional colleagues and on social media. A local businessman donated a hunting license. Local churches, civic groups and neighbors provided clothes, household items and food. A fund was established to assist with immediate utility bills, fuel costs and other financial needs.
Then, Sgt. Sharum began collecting gifts for the little girl. On Christmas morning, a pickup truck was needed to deliver all the presents.
Sgt. Sharum has stayed in touch with the family. He says the father is now employed and self-sufficient, and the daughter is doing well.
That story exemplifies the character of Sgt. Sharum, according to his supervisor, Lt. Perry Smith.
Sgt. Sharum is one of 200 wildlife officers across the state who enforce hunting, trapping and inland fishing regulations and boating laws to protect the resources of North Carolina and the safety of citizens and visitors.
Three other staff members of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission were nominated by their peers or supervisors for the 2012 Governor’s Award for Excellence: Lt. Todd Radabaugh, a wildlife officer stationed in Pender County; Dale Davis, a wildlife biologist based in eastern North Carolina; and Darrin Ball, a hunter education specialist serving western North Carolina.