The award recipients were special agents Chris Watkins who worked in Richmond and Scotland counties, Adam Boyd in Beaufort County, Bryan Irwin of Forsyth County and Stacy Cox in Surry County.

Young also presented the Secretary's Gold Circle Award to each of the agents to recognize their outstanding dedication to the state.

Special Agent Chris Watkins received the CCPS Distinguished Service Award for going above and beyond the call of duty in his job as an ALE agent. Secretary Young cited an example of Watkins' work in the 2006 undercover investigation of an illegal video poker operation that resulted in the conviction of the poker machine vendor and the seizure of more than $30 million in cash and real estate.

“Although the investigation was labor intensive and time consuming, agent Watkins continuously maintained his normal ALE duties during the investigation,” Young said.

The Distinguished Service Award is the department's highest award for meritorious service.

Special Agent Richard A. Boyd received the CCPS Heroism Award for saving the life of a suicidal man. After a high-speed chase in Beaufort County on Nov. 16, 2009 Boyd and a trooper with the State Highway Patrol approached the stopped vehicle and saw the driver cut his own throat with a box cutter. The car doors were locked, and Boyd used the trooper's baton to break the passenger window out, then knock the knife out of the driver's hand. Boyd applied paper towels to the man's throat while physically restraining him until the ambulance arrived.

“If it had not been for Special Agent Boyd's life-saving actions and dedication to duty, this man would not have survived this incident,” Young said.

The Heroism Award is the department's highest award for bravery and is given only to those who have risked their own lives to save others.

Special Agent Bryan Irwin received the CCPS Heroism Award for apprehending a gunman who allegedly shot and killed his intended victim outside a convenience store on Aug. 5, 2009, then drove off.

Irwin was working in his assigned area when he heard the gunshots, saw the shooter get into a Ford Explorer and drive away. Irwin followed the vehicle, called the Winston-Salem Police Department for assistance and when the vehicle stopped, apprehended the driver, not knowing if he was armed.

The investigation revealed the shooter fired at least eight rounds from a .45 caliber handgun at his intended victim who was less than a foot away.

“Special Agent Irwin's daily activities prove he is a professional law enforcement officer who is an asset to the Alcohol Law Enforcement division and the community,” Young said. “His quick thinking and actions in this incident, without regard to his own physical safety, make him deserving of this recognition.”

Special Agent Stacy J. Cox received the CCPS Meritorious Service Award for a detailed investigation of an alcohol-related death of a teenager who was the passenger in a Surry County accident. The lengthy investigation resulted in felony indictments on the driver.

On July 27, 2009, the Surry County District Attorney's Office requested Cox to assist with an investigation that would determine the extent of culpability of the driver and verify the circumstances leading up to the fatal accident. Cox was able to independently revive the investigation despite the amount of time that had elapsed, gathering details and evidence, contacting and interviewing critical witnesses. She was able to locate additional key witnesses who provided information which was not known prior to her participation in the investigation.

“Special Agent Cox spent many hours conducting this long term investigation while performing her regular duties,” Young said. “Her dedication, persistence, professionalism and investigative skills resulted in the felony indictments against the driver. She is a model agent who is committed and dedicated to serving ALE and the state of North Carolina in such a selfless manner.”