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WINDSOR – “A man of honesty, a man of integrity, a great leader, a strong leader is who we are celebrating today.”

Those words from Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin accurately summed up the law enforcement career of Timothy “Tim” Hardy. That career, spanning more than 35 years, came to an end on Feb. 28 where Hardy retired from the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office. He held the rank of Chief Deputy.

Hardy, a native of Ahoskie, retired from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission in 2017, enjoying a career that saw him rise to the rank of District Captain. He went back to work on May 1, 2018 where he accepted a job with the Bertie Sheriff’s Office.

“I’ve enjoyed it, met a lot of good people,” Hardy said at his retirement luncheon held Feb. 28 at the Windsor Community Building. “Over my career, what I have learned about people, good or bad, is if you treat them with respect, even if they’ve done something wrong, in return they will respect you.”

That respect was up front in the way that Hardy notified Sheriff Ruffin in January of his intent to retire at the end of February.

“I wanted to give the Sheriff the opportunity to put someone in place [as the new Chief Deputy] so I could have some time to work with them,” Hardy noted.

“I’ve enjoyed my job and have shared what I’ve learned over the years with others,” Hardy continued. “I stressed to them to follow the policy manual as it will guide them in their jobs. Follow the policy and you won’t go wrong.”

Hardy added that he always told everyone “to work hard today so that tomorrow you won’t have to.”

“Well, now is my tomorrow,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it. You’ve got my phone number. Call me with your questions…I don’t mind answering them.”

At the retirement luncheon, Hardy received numerous accolades from his peers.

Bertie Sheriff’s Captain Bonnie Brantley presented Hardy with a plaque of appreciation for his unwavering commitment to his law enforcement colleagues and to the citizens of the county.

“From the day he announced his retirement, Chief Hardy has prepared me for this change,” Brantley said, fighting back the tears. “I appreciate him so much. I appreciate all that I’ve learned from him. I’m going to miss him. We’re all going to miss him, but now is his time. It’s time for him to enjoy life.”

Sheriff Ruffin presented Hardy with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, presented since 1963 by Governors of North Carolina to those who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

Others were invited to the podium to praise Hardy for his lifelong commitment to public service.

“Some of the things I appreciate about Chief Hardy is his dedication and commitment to whatever he places his hand to do. He is a loving father, a loving husband. I love and appreciate him,” said Dr. James E. Jones Jr. who is Hardy’s pastor at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.

Collectively, Jones praised the work of all law enforcement officers.

“You all lay your lives on the line every day,” he said, motioning to all the lawmen seated in the room. “Thank you for all you do, protecting us and keeping us safe.”

Superior Court Judge Brenda Branch had a “ringside seat” to watch Hardy at work.

“Thank you, Chief Hardy, for all the professional, dedicated and caring service you provided for the judges, district court and superior court,” Judge Branch said. “You made sure we all, and the court staff, were safe.

“They say you can tell the character of a person by what he does when no one is watching,” Judge Branch continued. “I can tell you that Chief Hardy is a man of character. I’ve watched him talk with some of the vulnerable people within the judicial system. God bless you this day and may he continue to bless you with a long retirement.”

Assistant Bertie County Manager David Scarborough congratulated Hardy on a well-deserved retirement.

“I’ve seen Chief Deputy Hardy’s passion and desire to work with others. Thank you for all your years of service to Bertie County. We wish you well,” Scarborough said.

Bertie Sheriff’s Investigator Sgt. Ronald Rascoe stated, “Something we can all take from him is his honesty, his integrity, and being on time. He takes his job seriously. We appreciate his service.”

Randy Hardy, the brother of the honoree, thanked God for protecting his sibling throughout his long career in law enforcement.

“Timmy has always been hard working, always been dedicated…whatever he did he gave it his best. He has represented the Hardy family well. Timmy has followed in our dad’s footsteps [the now late Hertford County Sheriff Winfred Hardy]. I appreciate him for that,” he said.

In retirement, Randy Hardy invited his brother to join him in fishing “any day of the week.”

Sandra Hardy, the honoree’s wife for 38 years, praised her husband for all that he did for his family.

“The same determination he exhibits in his job, he does it at home,” stated Mrs. Hardy. “We loaned him to the public for 37 years. So we’re glad to get him back.”

Hardy’s daughter, Lolita Powell-Mebane, also noted the dedication her father had for his job, and the many sacrifices he made to ensure the public’s safety.

“I’m so proud of him and glad he will now get the opportunity to enjoy life,” she said.

Bertie County Clerk of Court Annie Todd is another to have witnessed Hardy’s work ethic.

“I’ve had the pleasure to work with Chief Hardy, who was an asset to the courthouse,” Todd said. “He will truly be missed. He made sure things were covered and keeping everybody safe. I hope this is not a goodbye as I hope he will come back to see us when he’s not fishing or working on his honey-do list. Maybe God bless him in this new chapter of his life.”

Jamilya Robinson, representing the local District Attorney’s office, noted that Hardy will be missed.

“We thank you for your service and we pray that you have a wonderful retirement,” Robinson remarked.

The luncheon ended with a traditional “final call” to the dispatcher.

“Bertie, 201 [Hardy’s identifying number] is 10-42 [ending tour of duty],” he said, speaking into a hand-held two-way radio.

“It has been a pleasure working with you from your time with North Carolina Wildlife and joining the Sheriff’s Office. We are honored to have been part of your journey for so many years and we truly thank you for your dedication to the citizens of Bertie County and also to your fellow first responders. Congratulations on the next season of your life,” said Bertie dispatcher J.W. Hoggard.

In addition to his work in law enforcement with the Wildlife Commission and the Bertie Sheriff’s Office, Hardy also served in the U.S. Army Reserves / Army National Guard. That career saw him serve as the Company Commander of the Army National Guard in Edenton and later as the Battalion Maintenance Commander of the Army National Guard in Ahoskie.