AIN'T IT NIFTY...CHIEF ABERNATHY'S 50!!!!!
Chief surprised Thursday afternoon at P.D.

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- It was the one statement no police chief wants to hear.

"Chief, come quick, there's a fire," shouted Captain Cindy Monday.

Chief quickly raced out of his office and discovered there wasn't a fire.

Instead of a raging inferno, however, police chief Dean Abernathy was surprised by a cake with 50 candles on top. Thursday was the Chief's birthday.

Officer Billy Burgin served as the decoy for chief, keeping him busy as plans were put into action for the cake.

"That Billy couldn't keep a straight face," laughed Chief after he blew out all 50 candles in one blow.

Chief Abernathy was also presented a hat with his badge number -- number one -- on the front.

"Thanks everybody," said Chief Abernathy after getting the "scare" of his life. "I really appreciate it."