At their December 7, 2022 meeting, Nags Head’s Board of Commissioners named Facilities Maintenance Technician Bruce Erickson as the Town’s 2022 Earl Murray Jr. Employee of the Year.
The award named after Nags Head Police Sgt. Earl Murray, who died in the line of duty on May 15, 2009, and is named by the board each December to recognize town employees who have excelled in performance, quality of work, willingness to cooperate with others, attitude towards the public and co-workers and attendance.
Erickson has been with the Town for four years.
“Bruce is passionate about his job and our town,” said Public Services Director Nancy Carawan. “He’s already working while most of us are still asleep, making sure Nags Head is in excellent shape.”
“Bruce takes ownership of everything he does here; from cleaning our public spaces to decorating our facilities for holidays,” Carawan said. “And, he does this with a smile on his face.”
“This ownership extends past Bruce’s normal working hours as he is always taking note of something that is out of place or attempting to forecast when something may become a problem,” said Carawan.
“He finds ways to quickly resolve issues before anyone takes notice. Bruce takes a lot of pride in his work and is always seeking to improve things,” Carawan said. “He exemplifies the traits of an employee of the year.”
“It’s an honor to celebrate Bruce’s accomplishments,” said Nags Head Mayor Ben Cahoon. “This award validates his exceptional work as well as his contributions, behaviors, and successes. Bruce is clearly dedicated to his job and our community, and it shows.”
“Each year this is a difficult decision for the Board because we must choose from a group of nominees who have all shown enthusiasm for their jobs and a commitment to Nags Head, Cahoon said. “It’s an honor for us to be able to recognize these employees and their achievements.”
The award recipient, chosen from a list of nominations presented by Town department heads, receives a plaque, a $400 reward, and a paid day off. Nominees receive a $200 reward and a paid day off.
The other nominees for this year’s Earl Murray Jr. Employee of the Year award are:
- Administrative Services: Tax Collector Linda Bittner
- Fire and Rescue: Captain Phil Wolfe
- Planning and Development: Building Inspector III Steve Syzmanski
- Police: Detective Christian Aguirre
- Town Clerk: Permit Specialist Kim Thompson
