CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 27 "I was working as an undercover narcotics agent, primarily working downtown on miIitary offenders," Daws says. "I le the Army in 1976 and came straight to work for the Tri-County Bureau of Narcotics for Cumberland County in the same year. "is was the 1970s, so when I retired I had a big afro and large beard. And one day I was working for the Army, and the next day I was working for the Tri-County Bureau of Narcotics." He also was a homicide investigator for the county and later became the city's communications director. In 1996, he went from protecting the people of Fayetteville to protecting its buildings and history when he was named historic properties manager. His duties included preserving the historic value and integrity of downtown buildings and helping build and maintain the fledging Fayetteville History Museum. At the time, the city needed a lot of help and nurturing. "I got involved during a period of time when downtown Fayetteville had transitioned from adult entertainment. It was pretty much a ghost town," Daws says. "Buildings were boarded up, going into a state of demolition because of neglect. So it was pretty bleak." Basically, those working to revitalize downtown were starting from scratch. Daws embraced the challenge. "It was very exciting aer a number of years in law enforcement, following that family tradition, to transition to another passion I had, which involved historic preservation," says Daws, whose father and brother also worked in law enforcement. "I've enjoyed every minute of it. For me, it's always been a passion. "It's been extremely rewarding watching Fayetteville go from a boarded-up city downtown to what it looks like today," he adds. "It's certainly a different place. Many people who have not been in Fayetteville for a long time and come back are amazed at what the city looks like now." A reliable source Daws has earned the respect of his peers and co-workers. "He's so good to work with. He's so knowledgeable," says Heidi Bleazey, who worked with Daws at the museum for 11 years SULLIVAN'S Highland Funeral Service & Crematory Family Owned and Operated Personalized Funeral and Cremation Services Cremations Performed On-site Pre-planning of Funeral Options 910.484.8108 • 610 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC www.sullivanshighland.com Karen Sullivan Mercer and Edward Mercer, Owners The provide learning Music FTCC'S F T C C C O R P O R A T E & C O N T I N U I N G E D U C A T I O N • Supports the economic development efforts of the State of North Carolina • Responds promptly to the training needs of new or existing businesses/ industries • Supports costs associated with assessment, training development and delivery • Provides support of full-time production and direct customer service positions • Respects the confidential nature of proprietary processes and information FTCC's Customized Training & Economic Development provides support to local businesses in the following ways: Contact Greg Moore today to get started! (910) 678-0168 mooreg@faytechcc.edu

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