RALEIGH – The State Highway Patrol along with the North Carolina Department of Transportation conducted a bridge dedication ceremony today in memory of fallen Trooper Bobby Gene Demuth. The ceremony was held at the Nash County Community College in Rocky Mount.
On the morning of September 8, 2012, Trooper Demuth was tragically killed in the line of duty while assisting during a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit was initiated in Wake County after attempting to stop a vehicle operated by a motorist wanted for several felonious violations. The pursuit continued into Nash County on U.S. 64 where Trooper Demuth attempted to deploy spike strips. The operator of the fleeing vehicle swerved, striking Trooper Demuth while attempting to stop the pursuit.
The dedicated bridge crosses over Red Oak Road on U.S. 64 in Nash County. Highway signs reflecting Trooper Gene Demuth Bridge will be placed at the bridge to serve as a reminder of Demuth’s heroic service to North Carolina.
Several members from the State Highway Patrol, N.C. Department of Transportation, N.C. Department of Insurance, and the Nash County Sheriff’s Office were on hand for the event.
Colonel William Grey, commander of the State Highway Patrol, Nick Tennyson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Transportation, Sheriff Keith Stone of the Nash County Sheriff’s Department, and Gus Tullos, N.C. Department of Transportation Board provided remarks.