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WINTON – Typically, a person is placed under arrest for “picking” a lock.

But that’s not the case for Otis C. Payne. Instead, he was given an award.

Payne, a well-known and highly respected locksmith, was presented with the Hometown Hero Award on Monday by the Hertford County Board of Commissioners at their regularly scheduled meeting.

Payne owns Payne Lock and Key Service of Ahoskie. That career as a locksmith came after he retired from Charles H. Jenkins Company where he worked for 40 years, initially as a parts clerk and ended as the parts manager.

While at that job, Payne was recognized on several occasions. In 1975 he received the Parts Professional Award. He earned the Outstanding Management Award in 1979 and five years later (1984) he was honored with the

Parts Pacesetter Award. Over a two-year period (1988-1989), Payne received the Outstanding Parts Management Award.

His contributions to the community include working as a volunteer, along with his wife, with the Ahoskie Food Pantry and the Senior Food Truck. He is also a supporter of Relay for Life.

Along the way, Payne learned how to make locks and keys. He purchased his first key punching machine and car unlocking tools in 1997 to get ready for when he retired as parts manager from Charles H. Jenkins. He took a locksmith course by mail. They would send him locks for him to make a working key. He would return those in order to get graded for his work.

After completing the course, Payne applied for and received his locksmith license in 1999.

“He said he has gained many friends along the way,” stated Dr. Renee Tyler, Clerk to the Hertford County Board of Commissioners. “He has worked with roadside assistance groups. He also said that when he first became a locksmith, his tools were in the trunk of his 1972 Pontiac. But over time, he added more unlocking devices and he had to upgrade to a new van.

Tyler said his customers would often inquire of the location of his business, to which Payne would reply, “wherever you see my van.”

As part of Monday’s brief ceremony, Payne was presented with a framed Hertford County Flag that was flown April 3 over the county courthouse.

Upon presenting the flag to Payne, Commissioner Leroy Douglas said he has been a loyal customer of Payne Lock and Key Service for a number of years and praised Payne for always showing up when called and performing the work in a professional manner.

“The only time I missed you and I called your house, your wife answered and said you were at the church working on something; I’ll get him to call you back.” Douglas said. “You have served Hertford County well.”

Payne expressed his appreciation to those who have used his services over the years. His only wish is to see a young man decide to take up the trade of being a locksmith.

“I thank the customers I’ve had along the way. I’ve tried to do my best for them,” Payne said upon accepting the award.

In March, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners announced the Hometown Heroes Award, a new initiative to recognize the outstanding contributions of local citizens who have made a significant positive contribution to the community. Jamie Johnson, owner of Ace Hardware in Ahoskie and Murfreesboro, was selected as the inaugural recipient of the award.

Eight more recipients (one per month) will follow, each honored for their influential contributions through acts of service, bravery, or dedication to the county and its residents.

Community members are encouraged to be on the lookout for announcements regarding the monthly selections as the Board identifies individuals who exemplify the spirit of service and commitment to Hertford County.

For more information or to learn more about the Hometown Hero initiative, contact Tyler at (252) 358-7823.