Eric Freeman of Tryon was presented with a gold “Certificate of Achievement” award in person from Robert Ingles II and James Lanning, president of Ingles’ Landrum supermarket. They surprised Eric on his March 13 anniversary upon completion of his 15th year of service and dedication to the store. For the previous 19 years, Freeman worked in Tryon for Cowan’s grocery store. He is known as a steadfast, loyal and popular. After hours, Eric gives his time as a public servant to the Tryon Fire Department, where he just received recognition for serving five years as a volunteer fireman. Freeman once was a Yankee, but he moved to Tryon in 1978 from Chagrin Falls, Ohio. (photo by B.K. Freeman)