Gov. John Carney on Wednesday presented the Order of the First State to retired Delaware Supreme Court Justice Randy J. Holland.

The award is the highest honor the governor of Delaware can bestow. It recognizes individuals who have made significant impacts on Delaware citizens.

Holland, who retired at the end of March, is the longest-serving Justice in Delaware history.

“Justice Holland is an expert on the Delaware Constitution, a student of Delaware history, and has been a steady source of wisdom on Delaware’s highest court for more than three decades,” Carney said. “It is a great honor to present Justice Holland with the Order of the First State. On behalf of the people of Delaware, I thank him for his commitment to public service.”

Justice became the youngest person to serve on the Delaware Supreme Court when he was nominated by Governor Michael Castle in 1986 and confirmed by the Delaware Senate. He was re-appointed twice to additional 12-year terms, and, in 2009, he became the longest serving Justice in state history.