Commemorating the legacy of a community champion, a bridge in Wake County has been dedicated to a sheriff's deputy who lost his life in the line of duty. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the structure spanning the Neuse River on Auburn Knightdale Road has been named Deputy Ned P. Byrd Bridge. The renaming honors the late deputy who was tragically slain on August 15, 2022.
In a ceremony that brought together family, friends, and colleagues, replica signs were unveiled at the bridge site, ensuring that Byrd's name and memory will continue to be a part of the local landscape. This follows a request by Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe and a resolution from the Wake County Board of Commissioners in July 2024, emphasizing Byrd's commitment and sacrifice. Sheriff Rowe said in a statement obtained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, “May all who cross this bridge remember the dedication of a true public servant."
Ned Byrd's journey with the Wake County Sheriff's Office began as a detention officer in 2009, later rising to the rank of sergeant in 2015, and eventually becoming a sworn deputy three years later. He was an integral part of the K-9 Unit alongside his partner Sasha, aiding in the search for missing persons and the detection of narcotics. Byrd's dedication to service, community, and his role were highlighted in the bridge dedication tribute. His sister, Mignon Byrd, told the North Carolina Department of Transportation, “He was a proud servant of our community, our country and the state of North Carolina."
Mignon Byrd's reflections on her brother's legacy paint a picture of a man deeply committed to service. The bridge now stands as a testament to Deputy Byrd's impactful life—a life deeply interwoven with the fabric of his community. Sergeant Andrew Staton, Byrd's close friend and colleague, also shared his thoughts, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation: “Deputy Byrd was a great friend and partner. He is very deserving of this bridge dedication, and it is appreciated by a multitude of friends and family." It is hoped that as people traverse the Deputy Ned P. Byrd Bridge, they carry with them a piece of his memory and recognize the profound sacrifices made by those who serve in law enforcement.
