Chimney Rock State Park Ranger Earns Governor’s Top Honor

A Chimney Rock State Park ranger who became a critical lifeline for his community during Hurricane Helene is among 22 state employees recognized recently by the Governor’s Awards for Excellence — the highest honor bestowed upon North Carolina’s public servants.

Chris Norrington, a maintenance construction technician with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, received the award in the Human Relations category during a ceremony held at the State Archives of North Carolina. The annual event, sponsored by the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation, honors state workers whose actions reflect exceptional service to the people of North Carolina.

Gov. Josh Stein praised this year’s honorees for their commitment to public service, noting that their contributions “embody the highest ideals” of state government. 

Norrington’s recognition stems from his extraordinary response before, during, and after Hurricane Helene devastated the Rocky Broad River area of the Hickory Nut Gorge on Sept. 26-27, 2024. As floodwaters rose, he closed the park, secured safety barriers, and then returned during the height of the storm to rescue vital state equipment — including a tractor and chainsaws — just hours before the park’s maintenance warehouse was washed away.

In the four days that followed, Norrington relied on his emergency medical technician training to clear roads, perform welfare checks, support evacuations, assist in swift water rescue operations, and unload emergency supplies for local shelters. He worked with only brief breaks for sleep and remained in the field until critical needs were met.

State officials said his actions protected lives, safeguarded taxpayer resources, and exemplified the compassion and resilience expected of North Carolina’s public workforce.

“To the residents of Rutherford County, he is a hero,” award organizers said. “To the State of North Carolina, he is a shining example of the values that guide our work every day.”

The lengthy nomination process drew 372 submissions from across the state government. This year’s 22 award recipients represent higher education, public safety, transportation, wildlife conservation, and other agencies.