The Halifax Resolves Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution honored two officers Wednesday night during the Roanoke Rapids City Council meeting, bestowing one with its lifesaving medal and the other for his distinguished service throughout his career.

Ken Wilson of the chapter presented Officer John Wind with the lifesaving medal for a call he responded to on Oakland Street after a woman had overdosed on Fentanyl. “Officer Wind quickly administered Narcan and began chest compressions,” he said. “The subject regained consciousness just as EMS arrived. The Roanoke Rapids Police Department was notified later by Vidant North of his heroic actions.”

Wilson said, “The female subject wanted to be sure Officer Wind knew she was thankful for saving her life. This officer’s quick response and willingness to act to help a fellow human being in a life-threatening situation is to be commended.”

Wilson presented Captain Charles Burnette with the organization’s law enforcement commendation medal, which is given to those “who have served with distinction and devotion in the field of law enforcement. The medal is intended to recognize exceptional service or accomplishment in the field of law enforcement.”

Prior to joining the Roanoke Rapids Police Department in December of 2000, Burnette was employed with what is now the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.  

Burnette worked his way through the ranks in the department and was promoted to police officer II in July 2003. He became a master officer in October 2003.

In July of 2006 he was promoted to sergeant.  In 2007 he became an administrative lieutenant and became a patrol captain in July. “Charles Burnette has always served the citizens of Roanoke Rapids with great pride, honor, and ethics,” Wilson said.