OurTown

NEWSLETTER
Our T own
Published weekly by the Town of Burgaw | June 9-13, 2025
The Town of Burgaw announces the retirement of Police
Chief Jim Hock, following his formal announcement at the
June 10, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting. Chief
Hock’s retirement marks the culmination of an exceptional
career in law enforcement, including a decade of leadership
with the Burgaw Police Department and over 28 years of
total service to the citizens of Pender County and Burgaw.
Chief Hock began his tenure as Chief of Police for the Town
of Burgaw on June 9, 2015. Prior to that, he served with the Pender County
Sheriff's Office for over 18 years. Chief Hock has served the Town of Burgaw
with integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.
Throughout his tenure, he has overseen significant advancements in policing
practices, community engagement efforts, and departmental modernization.
Under his leadership, the Burgaw Police Department has strengthened its
community partnerships, expanded officer training initiatives, and enhanced
public trust through transparency and accountability.
“Chief Hock’s impact on our community has been profound,” said Mayor Olivia
Dawson. “His steady leadership, compassion for the residents of Burgaw, and
dedication to his department have left a legacy that will endure for years to
come. We thank him for his service and wish him a fulfilling and well -deserved
retirement.”
During his time as Chief, Hock prioritized transparency, officer development,
and proactive policing strategies that helped foster stronger ties between the
department and the community. His efforts have left an enduring legacy of
trust and resilience within the force.
Reflecting on his career, Chief Hock stated, “It has been an honor to serve the
people of Burgaw. I am deeply grateful for the support I ’ve received from our
officers, town leadership, and the community throughout the years. While I
look forward to retirement, I will always cherish my time here and the
relationships built along the way.”
Chief Hock ’s retirement date is scheduled for August 31, 2025. The Town of
Burgaw will initiate the process to identify the next Chief of Police in the
coming days.
Police Chief Jim Hock Announces Retirement After
Decades of Distinguished Public Service

June 17 | 6:00 PM
Blueberry Bingo
Pre-registration required
Historic Train Depot
June 18 | 12:00 PM
Senior Lunch & Learn
Pre-registration required
Burgaw Town Center
June 18 | 6:00 PM
Puzzle Palooza
Pre-registration required
Burgaw Town Center
June 19 | 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Summer on the Square Concert: Chocolate
Chip and Co
Courthouse Square
June 20-21
NC Blueberry Festival
Downtown Burgaw
June 23-24, 26-27 and June 30-July 1
Junior Firefighter Camp
Pre-registration required; camp full.
June 28 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Juneteenth Celebration
Courthouse Square
July 3 | 8:30 AM
Tourism Development Authority Regular
Meeting
Burgaw Town Center
Our Town | Page 2
UPCOMING
The Town of Burgaw is a sponsor of this event.
Mayor’s Proclamation
BLUEBERRY WEEK 2025
WHEREAS, the Town of Burgaw is home of the
North Carolina Blueberry Festival held annually and
celebrated the third weekend in June; and
WHEREAS, the first annual North Carolina
Blueberry Festival was held in Burgaw on June 26,
2004; and
WHEREAS, the Annual North Carolina Blueberry
Festival is planned for June 20 and 21, 2025 in
Burgaw; and
WHEREAS, the festival has become a tradition of
the town with a display of local pride; enjoyed by
locals all while drawing many visitors; and
WHEREAS, the entire community is involved in
promoting Burgaw; and
WHEREAS, Saturday, June 21, 2025, will be
celebrated as “North Carolina Blueberry Festival
Day” in Burgaw; and
WHEREAS, it is a tradition that we recognize and
celebrate the week of the festival locally as
“Blueberry Week”; and
WHEREAS, we recognize and celebrate “Blueberry
Week” with blueberry -themed activities and events
throughout the week to celebrate and promote our
town and its blueberry heritage all while supporting
and participating as a community; and
WHEREAS, through these activities and events,
groups, businesses, and organizations within the
community work together to collaborate and share in
ways to support and promote the town, the county,
and the North Carolina Blueberry Festival.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Olivia Dawson, Mayor of
Burgaw, NC, hereby proclaim June 15 th through June
21st, 2025, as “Blueberry Week ” and encourage all
citizens to share in recognizing and celebrating
Blueberry Week in the Town of Burgaw.

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B U R G A W F I R E D E P A R T M E N T N E W S
Rain, Rain, Go Away... But Watch Out for the Heat Anyway!
Let’s face it—our pool floats are deflated, our sunscreen's feeling neglected, and we ’re starting to forget what the sun looks like around 2
PM sharp (thanks, daily downpours!). But don’t let the afternoon rainclouds fool you—heat-related illness is still a major risk, especially in
those muggy, pre-storm hours.
Whether you're running errands, working outdoors, or braving the backyard jungle gym before the storm rolls in, here ’s how to spot the
sneaky signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
Your Weekly Dose of Summer Safety from the Burgaw Fire Marshal
We also would like to
congratulate our very own
Firefighter Brown for
graduating from the CFCC Fire
Academy on Wednesday June
11th. We are so proud of his
hard work and dedication to
continuously improving
himself! WE can’t wait to see
his future endeavors!
Congratulations!
We may be soaked by 3 PM, but don’t let heat illness rain on your health! Stay alert, stay
hydrated, and maybe keep the pool floaties in the living room —just in case.
Until Next Week,
Your Town Fire Marshal & Burgaw Fire Department Family!
Heat Exhaustion Says “I’m Toast...but Not Burnt Yet”
• Heavy sweating (like, “just walked into a sauna” level)
• Pale or clammy skin
• Dizziness or headache
• Nausea or muscle cramps
• Weakness or fatigue
COOL IT: Move to shade or A/C, sip water, and splash cool water on your skin.
Heat Stroke Says “I’m Cooked and Need Help NOW!”
• Body temp over 103 degrees F
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Rapid pulse
• Confusion, fainting, or acting strangely
EMERGENCY MODE: Call 911 immediately– this is a life-threatening condition!
Pro Tips While We Wait for the Sun to Commit:
• Drink water before you’re thirsty—coffee doesn’t count, sorry!
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Bonus points if it matches your umbrella!
• Never leave kids or pets in a vehicle, not even for “just a second!”
• Schedule outdoor fun in the early morning… or whenever the weather app stops
lying.

22ND ANNUAL NC BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
NOTICE OF STREET CLOSURES
The NC Blueberry Festival Association has requested the following streets to be closed during
the NC Blueberry Festival event on June 20th and 21st of this year. All street closures listed
below have been approved by the Town of Burgaw Board of Commissioners. We appreciate
everyone’s cooperation during this annual event. For questions regarding the festival, please
contact the NC Blueberry Festival Association at 259-2007.
e Half of Dudley Street to Fremont Street will be closed from 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20th, until 10
a.m. on Saturday, June 21st, for the BBQ cook-off event.
e Parking spaces on Wright Street from Courthouse Ave to Fremont Street will be closed from 5:00 a.m.
on Friday, June 20th.
e Wright Street from Wilmington Street to Fremont Street will be closed from noon on Friday, June
20th, until 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.
e Courthouse Ave and the adjacent alley will be closed from noon on Friday, June 20th, until 11 p.m. on
Saturday, June 21st.
e Fremont Street from Walker Street to Wright Street will be closed from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June
20th, until noon on Sunday, June 22nd.
e Walker Street from Wilmington Street to Fremont Street will be closed from 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June
20th, until 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.
e Walker Street from Fremont Street to Satchwell Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June
20th, until 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.
e Fremont Street from Walker Street to Cowan Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June
20th, until 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.
e Fremont Street from Wright Street to Dudley Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June
20th, until 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.
e Wright Street from Fremont Street to Satchwell Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June
20th, until 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.
e Dickerson Street from Wilmington Street to Fremont Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. on Friday,
June 20th, until 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.
e Dickerson Street from Fremont Street to Satchwell Street will be closed from 10:30 p.m. on Friday,
June 20th, until 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.
e Satchwell Street, between Dickerson Street and Dudley Street, will be closed from 6 a.m. on
Saturday, June 20th, until 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.
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Our Town | Page 5
The Town of Burgaw is a sponsor of this event.

Mayor
Olivia Dawson
Mayor Pro Tem
James Malloy
Commissioners
Jan Dawson
Bill George
William Rivenbark
Michael Pearsall
Town Manager
James H. Gantt
Town Clerk
Kristin J. Wells
Town Attorney
Norwood P. Blanchard, III
Town Hall
109 N. Walker St.
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-259-2151
mail@burgawnc.gov
www.burgawnc.gov
Office Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday-Friday
PUBLIC WORKS
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
NUMBER
PHONE # 910-470-0457
This phone is only answered after
hours, between 4:30 PM - 7:30 AM,
and is for water and sewer
emergencies only . Unless Public
Works has been given prior notice
from Town Hall, Public Works
cannot turn your water on due to
non-payment shut off.
Utilities
663-3445
Parks & Town Events
300-6401
Human Resources
663-3444
Permitting & Inspections
663-3452
Public Works Department
259-2901
Police Department
Non-Emergency
259-4924
Fire Department
Non-Emergency
259-7494
Elected & Appointed
Officials
Board of Commissioners Meetings
Second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 PM
Public Forum/Public Hearings at 5:30 PM
Planning & Zoning Board Meetings
Third Thursday of every month at 5:30 PM
Tourism Development Authority Meetings
First Thursday of every month at 8:30 AM
Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
Meetings
Second Monday of February, May, August,
November at 5:30 PM
Beautification Committee Meetings
First Friday of every month at 8:30 AM
All meetings listed above are open to
the public; oral and written
comments always welcome. The
meetings are held at the Burgaw
Town Center, located at 108 E.
Wilmington Street, Burgaw, unless
otherwise posted.
Meeting agendas can be found on the
town’s website at BurgawNC.gov.
Notices for cancelations and special
called meetings will be posted on the
town’s website and weekly
newsletter when necessary.
For questions or assistance, please
contact the Town Clerk at 910-663-
3441 or kwells@burgawnc.gov.
CURRENT MEETI NG
SCHED ULE
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