Nolan Kirkman, Burlington’s outgoing assistant city manager, didn’t exactly “make like a tree” after his final city council meeting on Tuesday.
But Kirkman did go away with an arboreal-themed tribute thanks to N.C. Rep. Steve Ross, who surprised the imminent retiree that evening with word of his induction into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Frequently billed as the state’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded by North Carolina’s governor to individuals who have “made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.”
In Kirkman’s case, the claim to “exemplary service” stems largely from his 32-year career with the city of Burlington – the details of which were spelled out in a nomination letter that city manager Craig Honeycutt sent to the state in preparation for his subordinate’s retirement on August 1. Honeycutt’s missive commends Kirkman for his “integrity” and “devotion” to Burlington in addition to the sheer length of his tenure as a city employee.
“[He] has invested many long hours to maintain the level of excellence that he sets out to achieve,” the city manager goes on to crow. “Nolan is a trusted and valuable leader in every department in which he has worked and to the city’s leadership, elected officials, and partners.”
Ross, who had served as Burlington’s mayor as well as a rank and file council member before his elevation to the General Assembly, was perhaps a natural choice to present Kirkman with his membership papers during the city council’s meeting on Tuesday. The state representative also stuck around after the announcement to pose for a quick photo with Kirkman and his wife, Emily, as well as the couple’s three daughters: Shae, Brooke, and Hailey.
