At their November 1, 2023 meeting, Nags Head’s Board of Commissioners named Police Lieutenant Steven Anderson as the Town’s 2023 Earl Murray Jr. Employee of the Year.
Named after Police Sergeant Earl Murray, who died in the line of duty May 15, 2009, the Employee of the Year award recognizes an exceptional team member who goes above and beyond in making a positive impact in their work.
In addition, the recipient consistently demonstrates the Town’s values in their day-to-day interactions and contributions. Presented annually, the award is the most prestigious recognition provided by the Town.
Town employees are asked to nominate individuals in their own department or in another department. Department heads consider their nominations and then choose an Employee of the Year for their department.
Those employees then become nominees for the town-wide award. Each nominee receives a paid day off and a $200 gift card. The townwide Employee of the Year receives a plaque, a $300 gift card, and a paid day off.
“On behalf of the Board, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lieutenant Anderson and the other departmental Employees of the Year,” said Mayor Ben Cahoon. “We are fortunate to attract and retain staff who are dedicated, professional, and committed to Nags Head.”
“This is always a tremendously difficult decision. Each year we select one employee from a pool of highly qualified and deserving candidates,” Cahoon said. “The Earl Murray Jr. Employee of the Year award is not only a recognition of hard work, but it is also an acknowledgement of the positive impact the employee has made on our community.”
“Steven is a true team player and takes his role seriously,” said Nags Head Police Chief Perry Hale in his comments at the meeting. “He leads the way with the motto, ‘We do what’s right for the right reasons’.”
“Steven sees an issue and knows how it is expected to be handled,” Hale said. “His attitude and love for our department is shown in his daily actions and in the way he carries out his duties.”
Lieutenant Anderson started with the Town a little over 20 years ago and was promoted to sergeant in 2015 and lieutenant in January 2023.
The other nominees for this year’s Earl Murray Jr. Employee of the Year award are:
- Administrative Services/Town Manager’s Office Employee of the Year: Public Information Officer Roberta Thuman
- Fire and Rescue Employee of the Year: Captain James Moseman
- Planning and Development Employee of the Year: Event Coordinator Paige Griffin
- Public Services Employee of the Year: Water Distribution Crew Leader Seth Gray
