At the end of June, long-time public servant Gary Lee Gross retired from his position as clerk and special assistant to the Dare County Board of Commissioners and assistant to the county manager.

Gross served Dare County’s residents and visitors for 20 years. He was a frontline member of the county’s Emergency Medical Services, advancing through the system from basic to intermediate to paramedic. He also served as a lieutenant in the emergency medical system.

In 2009, he moved to the county’s public relations office as special projects coordinator. He was particularly involved the Preserve Beach Access campaign.

And, for the last eight-and-a-half years, Gross has served as clerk and special assistant to the Dare Board of Commissioners. In 2017, he also became assistant to the county manager, Robert L. Outten.

As clerk, Gross assembled the commissioners’ agenda book, posted committee announcements, helped compose various documents and fielded questions from the public.

At the commissioners meeting on June 24, board Chairman Robert L. Woodard presented two honors to Gross.

He received the Old North State Award, signed by Gov. Roy Cooper. The award honors dedication and excellence of an individual with 20 or more years of service for the state of North Carolina.

Gross also received a Certificate of Appreciation in grateful recognition of his 20 years of distinguished service from the Board of Commissioners. The inscription reads: “The Dare County Board of Commissioners is grateful for his unwavering support, strong work ethic and steadfast commitment to serving the citizens of Dare County. Serving with honesty and integrity throughout his career, he has made extraordinary contributions to Dare County, leaving a lasting impact on our community.”

Prior to the board meeting, the commissioners feted Gross and his spouse Janice Gross with a surprise reception. At the reception, Gross received a letter from U.S. Senator Richard Burr. He will also receive a United States Flag flown over the nation’s capitol building on June 24, 2019.

After his retirement, Gary Gross said he is devoting his hours to Janice. They plan to travel. At the reception, attendees were asked to share a favorite destination or detour for the traveling pair.

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