The bridge spanning Auburn-Knightdale Road over the Neuse River in Wake County now bears a new name—the Deputy Ned P. Byrd Bridge—in memory of a fallen Wake County sheriff's deputy. Deputy Ned Byrd was killed in the line of duty on August 11, 2022, after stopping to investigate a truck on Battle Bridge Road. This act of remembrance comes following the NC Board of Transportation's approval of the resolution to rename the bridge.
"Deputy Byrd dedicated his life to serving and protecting this community, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten," Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe stated in a report by WRAL. The dedication of the bridge is seen as a tribute that will both honor Byrd's service and ensure his story continues to be recalled by those who travel across it.
During his career, Byrd, who started as a detention officer, spent 13 years with the sheriff’s department, with part of his tenure spent in the department’s K-9 unit. His dedication extended to his canine partner, Sasha, who was unharmed inside his SUV at the time of the tragic incident. Sgt. Andrew Staton, a colleague from the K-9 unit, adopted Sasha post the fall of Deputy Byrd. Sergeant Staton provided a personal glimpse into Byrd's bond with Sasha during the NC Board of Transportation's meeting, as relayed by the News & Observer, "Byrd was infatuated with her. Thought she was the best thing in the world. Treated her like a baby," he said.
The case relating to Deputy Byrd's death remains in legal proceedings, with brothers Arturo Marin-Sotelo and Alder Marin accused of his murder. While Arturo Marin-Sotelo is in custody, his brother Alder has been fighting extradition from Mexico back to North Carolina. ABC11 noted that no official dedication ceremony date has been released for the newly renamed bridge, but plans are currently underway.
