Josh Stein Awards Long Leaf Pine to Jon David
The veteran district attorney received the honor during a retirement celebration held in Wilmington.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Criminal Justice
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to District Attorney Jon David. The ceremony took place aboard the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington to celebrate David's career.
Why it matters
The award recognizes David for his extensive commitment to the justice system in North Carolina. He has dedicated three decades to prosecutorial work, including 16 years as the lead attorney for his district.
Jon David has served as the district attorney for the 15th Prosecutorial District for 16 years. His tenure concludes with a scheduled retirement on December 31, 2026.
The players
Josh Stein
He is the Governor of North Carolina who presided over the presentation of the state's highest civilian honor.
Jon David
He is the district attorney for the 15th Prosecutorial District who is retiring after three decades of legal service.
The details
Approximately 500 guests gathered for the ceremony where David was honored for his long-standing service to Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus counties. The nomination for the award was submitted by four justice system leaders: Jason Disbrow, C. Ashley Gore, Jacob Ward, and Jenna Earley.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: The award ceremony took place aboard the Battleship North Carolina.
December 31, 2026: Jon David is scheduled to retire from his position.
Legal Context
The presentation of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to a retiring official follows a long-standing North Carolina tradition of recognizing exemplary state service. It honors career civil servants who have maintained significant roles within the state justice system.
The retirement of the district attorney may lead to upcoming changes in the leadership of the 15th Prosecutorial District, which covers Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus counties. Local residents should monitor future announcements regarding the transition process for this office.
The takeaway
Honoring long-term public servants serves as a hallmark of state recognition in North Carolina. Residents often look to these transitions to understand future shifts in local judicial administration.
What happens next
Jon David is scheduled to officially retire from his office as district attorney on December 31, 2026.
Further reading
Find more reports on legal and regional news in the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWAYTV3.
