Stephanie Simpson strolled into Riverview Café last week expecting lunch with Plymouth’s mayor and Town Council members. Then she spotted her daughter, who lives in Raleigh.

What ensued Tuesday, Oct. 27, was a tribute to Simpson, who has served the town and surrounding county in various law enforcement roles since 1976. She was presented the coveted Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in September.

For more information, check out the Nov. 4, 2026, edition of the Roanoke Beacon.