Sara Stamey (left) and her daughter, Kelly, share a laugh Wednesday
during Stamey's retirement reception at Lincolnton City Hall.
(Jon Mayhew/The Carolina Scoop)
06/28/2008
THE CAROLINA SCOOP EXCLUSIVE
STAMEY HONORED AT RECEPTION

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- Monday marks the end of an era at the Lincolnton Police Deaprtment, as their records supervisor is retiring. Wednesday afternoon, friends, family and current and former coworkers gathered at Lincolnton City Hall to honor Sara Stamey in her retirement.

The Carolina Scoop was the only newspaper to attend the ceremony and have exclusive photos and a report on the event.

Stamey has served the City of Lincolnton at the police department for about the past nine years and fondly remembers her years in law enforcement.

"We're just blessed here in Lincolnton," said Stamey. "It's been a trip and I really enjoyed working down here. Lincolnton has been a joy, to be able to be here long enough to see the first female captain (Cindy Monday) in the department's history."

Lincolnton Police records supervisor Sara Stamey
was honored Wednesday during her retirement reception.
Stamey has been with Lincolnton Police for over nine years and is retiring Monday.
(Jon Mayhew/The Carolina Scoop)

Stamey's last day is Monday. She said she's going to spend part of this weekend cleaning up her office and getting things organized for Cindy Sain, who will take over as record's supervisor July 8. The department has received more than 50 applications for the record's supervisor position.

Besides being presented with a gift from Captain Monday and Chief Dean Abernathy, Stamey's family also presented her with several gifts. At the end of Stamey's daughter's presentation, Stamey drew laughs from the crowd.

"Kelly's never at a loss for words," said Stamey.

City councilman Larry Mac Hovis also honored Stamey and her work at LPD.

"Retirement's a good thing and a bad thing," said Hovis. "Peggy's retirement from records was a year-and-a-half ago, now Sara's leaving. I don't know what the chief's doing down there."

Sara Stamey (left) and Lincolnton City Councilman Larry Mac Hovis (center)
listen to LPD Chief Dean Abernathy while he honors Stamey
for her years of service to the City and department.
(Jon Mayhew/The Carolina Scoop)

The Carolina Scoop has learned Chief Abernathy may be the next police department employee retiring, potentially sometime next year. Abernathy said himself and Stamey "came up together" in the department.

"It was about at the same time several years ago," said Abernathy. "We're going to miss you and most of all, I'm going to miss you. I'm proud of you and this is what we all work for."

Abernathy also said Stamey has helped many officers along over the years. Longview Police Chief Buck Rogers testified to Abernathy's statement. Longview is in Catawba County near Hickory, where Stamey also once worked as a dispatcher for city police.

"Sara raised me when I first started," said Rogers. "She helped me cut my teeth. She's the best."

A beautiful and personable Sara Stamey,
through the years of working in law enforcement.
Special thanks to Kelly for the idea to take the picture.
(Jon Mayhew/The Carolina Scoop)

Stamey's husband, Bob, said he couldn't agree more with Rogers and added it's time for his wife to retire.

"She's worked hard and took pride in what she's done," said Bob Stamey, adding that he "guesses it's time" for her to retire.

He also acknowledged the large "honey do" list that will start accumulating after Monday. Stamey drew laughs from the crowd in sharing a final thought.

"I don't know if I can handle having her at home all the time," laughed Bob Stamey.