The New Bern Chapter – NC SAR presented the SAR Hero Medal Award to Deputy Sheriff Zach Bellingham of the Craven County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, 20 January 2022, 1030 at the Craven County Sheriffs Office located at 1100 Clarks Road, New Bern, NC 28562. Deputy Bellingham was seriously injured from a gunshot wound on Friday, October 1, 2021 while serving an Involuntary Commitment Order and continues in a rehabilitation program. The SAR Hero Medal Award recognizes outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent danger which involves great personal courage and risk to the recipient. Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes opened the ceremony by praising Deputy Bellingham for his performance of duties and offering encouragement for a productive recovery. Sheriff Hughes performed the honors of pinning on the medal and Bob Ainsley, President of the New Bern Chapter presented the framed medal certificate along with a chapter contribution check to the Friends of the Craven County Sheriff’s Office (FOCCSO) Fund specifically for the support of Deputy Zach Bellingham’s rehabilitation. New Bern Chapter members attending in color guard uniform were Bob Ainsley, Gary Gillette, Scott Brick, Bruce Martin, Lee Purcell; and members attending in coat-and-tie with SAR Rosette were Ken McCotter, Ed Stinson, Rick Layton and Bob Rigg. Tammy Gillette attended the ceremony representing the Richard Dobbs Spaight Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution. The ceremony was attended by numerous law enforcement officers and staff members from the Craven County Sheriff’s Office and covered by four (4) local media outlets.