By Jared Putnam
Staff Writer
North Carolina state trooper Charlie Cheeks acknowledges that public recognition is not the most comfortable position for him. The Clay County native joined the State Highway Patrol in 2008 and is accustomed to doing his job with little fanfare.
"I just go out to work every day to serve the people of our community and try to keep the roads safe," Cheeks said.
However, the 13-year veteran of the force recently found himself unable to dodge the spotlight.
Cheeks was honored as the 2019 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Highway Patrolman of the Year during a ceremony in late June. The recognition was delayed by more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"When not saving lives on the highways, he will often be found in schools, or other venues, educating kids about the dangers of alcohol, huffing, opioids, and other reckless behavior," the State Highway Patrol said in a press release "His diligence and dedication have earned him the highest level of respect among his colleagues."
Ellen Pitt of MADD North Carolina described Cheeks as "one of North Carolina’s hardest-working DREs (Drug Recognition Experts)."
Cheeks grew up in Clay County and graduated from Hayesville High School. He joined the highway patrol in 2008 following a career in the construction business. He was first stationed in Richmond County from 2009-12 before finding an opportunity to return home to Clay County, which he described as "a big relief."
Cheeks said his recent honor is not tied to arrest numbers, but instead, about being active in the community. Being "active" often does not necessarily mean being popular in Cheeks' line of work, making this type of recognition even more meaningful.
"Most people are not happy to have to have a conversation with a trooper," Cheeks said. "But then you run into those people like MADD, who are willing to reach out and tell you how much they appreciate you and how much you're helping everyone to get home safely by doing your job."