Two of the officers were special to the Durham County Sheriff's Office. Both passed away from COVID-19 complications after contracting the virus while on duty.
Alexander Reginald Pettiway Jr. was a senior detention officer for Durham County.
"To be here today and to see this is really a fine tribute to him as well as an honor for his family to be a part of it," said cousin Gwen Keith.
The end of watch road will head out for Durham and will continue traveling across the country until August 19.