China Grove Police Officer Nick Carpenter was recognized as the staff member of the year at Jesse C. Carson High School. During the regularly scheduled council meeting on Tuesday at town hall, China Grove officials recognized Carpenter for his work. Chief Andrew Deal called Carpenter an “extremely good officer” that is “dedicated to his job and that shows with his award.” Deal added that he sees Carpenter as a positive influence for young people coming up in today’s society. Mayor Rodney Phillips congratulated Carpenter and said, “In our house, we had three kids in high school at one time and it took all we could do. I don’t know how you manage to deal with so many kids.”

Pictured: China Grove Town Manager Franklin Gover, left, shakes officer Nick Carpenter’s hand during the China Grove Town Council meeting while Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Starnes, Councilor Don Bringle and Mayor Rodney Phillips look on.