Stilwell Award

Mike Stilwell was one of NCSWEOA’s founding members who served as a code enforcement officer for Mecklenburg County for over a decade. Mike is remembered for providing outstanding service to his community and was known for his ability to achieve voluntary compliance. Mike was a model public servant who had the abilities and expertise to navigate complex compliance issues with tact and good humor. In an effort to acknowledge Mike’s contributions to public service we present the Stilwell Enforcement Officer of the Year Award on an annual basis to recognize those NCSWEOA members who exemplify the traits, skills, and knowledge that were demonstrated by Mr. Stilwell.

2017 Stilwell Award Recipient
Officer Jeff Blood

Iredell County Solid Waste Enforcement Officer Jeff Blood was this year’s recipient of the Stilwell Award. Officer Blood was nominated for his hard work as an enforcement officer. He is able to use education, rather than prosecution, enforce the rules and address violations. He never meets a stranger and can talk to and relate to all socio-economic classes. He can be counted to speak in front of groups and represent the department at community events. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Keep Iredell County Beautiful.

“Blood isn’t afraid of anything and he gets results without making people mad.”

Previous Stilwell Award Recipients

2016- Duane McGuire, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office Environmental Officer

Deputy McGuire was nominated for his ability to intermingle with military personnel as well as the diverse citizens who call Harnett County their home. He has revived their solid waste ordinance, implemented an anti-litter campaign focused on securing loads, started a waste diversion program to donate usable products to local nonprofits, and issues multiple citations and warnings each month for illegal dumping. Those who nominated Deputy McGuire had to following to say about him:

“He takes his job seriously and has a deep passion for the protection of the environment for his fellow man and the wildlife.”

“He shows compassion for his job that goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

“Litter control is a monumental problem and would be overwhelming to most, but Deputy McGuire is not intimidated. He charges on.”

2015- Kathy McVey, Environmental Enforcement Officer, Cumberland County

2014- Jeff Sparrow, Code Enforcement and Recycling Specialist, Wayne County

Mr. Sparrow was recognized for his dedication to public service and contribution to protecting the environment and public health with utmost professionalism and tact.