Haywood County honors two retiring deputies and approves canine transfer to handler

The Haywood County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 17 approved resolutions recognizing two long-serving deputies and authorizing the sheriff to transfer issued badges and service weapons to them at no charge, and it authorized the disposition of a retired K-9 to its handler.

Sheriff William Bill Wilkie read the resolutions recognizing Lieutenant Douglas Wayne Carver, who retired after 31 years of service, and Major Jason Floyd Smiley, who retired after a total of 30 years in law enforcement. Each resolution cites North Carolina General Statute 20-187.2 as the authority permitting the sheriff, at his discretion, to transfer an issued sidearm and badge to a retiring deputy at a price determined by the board. The board approved both resolutions by voice vote.

The board also approved, on the consent agenda, a resolution declaring retired patrol/detection canine Rico surplus and authorizing sale of the animal to its trained handler, David Geo Cates, for $1, with the handler assuming all liability and responsibility for the retired canine’s care. County staff described the transfer procedure as consistent with the county’s surplus- property policy as stated in county documents.

Why it matters: The actions formalize retirement honors and follow statutory procedures for disposition of county-issued equipment and retired service animals. County leaders emphasized gratitude for long service; speakers at the meeting praised both deputies’ professionalism and public-safety contributions.

Ending: The board’s actions were procedural and ceremonial; no additional policy changes were made at the meeting.