WINDSOR – Two outgoing Bertie County Commissioners were honored for more than a decade of service Monday night.

During their final regular session, Bertie County Commissioners L.C. Hoggard III and Norman M. Cherry Sr. were given plaques for their 12 years of service to the citizens of Bertie County.

Commission Vice Chairman J. Wallace Perry presented the plaques of appreciation on behalf of himself and fellow Commissioners Rick Harrell and Charles L. Smith as well as the citizens of the county.

“We appreciate your dedicated service to the people of Bertie County for the past 12 years,” Perry said. “We wish you well and will always appreciate what you have done for the citizens.”

Cherry and Hoggard said they appreciated the opportunity to serve.

“First I want to say congratulations to the commissioners-elect (Ronald Wesson and John Trent) and I pray Godspeed on you,” Cherry said. “I also say thank you to the citizens of Bertie County for allowing me to serve the past 12 years.

“I would like to think we have done things to benefit the citizens of this county over those 12 years,” he added. “We have done our best and we will continue to pray for the betterment of Bertie County and for those who are serving on the board and will join the board.”

Hoggard added, “Congratulations to the commissioners-elect. I wish you the best as you begin your service soon. I will say it is easier on that side of the desk than on this side. I don’t say that with any animosity, just a knowledge of the difference and I know you will find out soon enough.”

He also thanked the citizens for the opportunity to serve.

“I thank the citizens of Bertie County for allowing me the opportunity to serve them,” Hoggard said. “I am thankful for my fellow commissioners and the employees of Bertie County. Mr. Cherry and I appreciate the opportunity to work and to make the decisions we thought were best.”

Cherry and Hoggard will end their service as commissioners on Dec. 3 when the newly elected board members are sworn in. Both men have served as chairman of the board and Hoggard is currently serving in that capacity.