High Country Times

Sen. Ralph Hise (R-Madison) joined the Yancey County Sheriff's Office in celebrating Sheriff Gary Banks' 10 years as county sheriff.

Banks received a service award for dedication to the State of North Carolina and the citizens of Yancey County. 

Sheriff David Mahoney, president of the North Carolina Sheriff's Association, said in a Yancy County Sheriff's Office Facebook post on Aug. 3, that “Sheriffs play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of North Carolina, and it is a great privilege to honor those who have served for 10 or more consecutive years as sheriff in their communities."

Banks, who has also served as a deputy sheriff, DARE officer, chief deputy and a detective, said he was honored to receive the dedication award. 

"I am also honored to have served the citizens of Yancey County for over 10 years as your Sheriff," Banks said in the Facebook post. "I have been blessed with a great family and staff who have supported me.  I first joined the Sheriff Office in 1982 when my father, former Sheriff Kermit Banks, hired me and I have worked in every job here. ..."