The Wake County Honor Run, organized annually by Back the Blue NC, took place for the second time this year, bringing the community together to support the cause.
In 2022, Byrd was shot and killed in the line of duty. His colleagues and loved ones said this event offers a meaningful way to shift the focus from his death to his life.
"I'm happy the court case is resolved just for the simple fact of feel like we were focusing a lot on his death when that was occurring," said Sgt. A. Staton of the Wake County Sheriff's Office. "I feel like...we can move forward and focus on his life and how amazing of a life he lived."
Saturday's run paid tribute not only to Deputy Byrd, but to every fallen officer in the region.
"Byrd was my partner, so it does mean a lot," Staton said. "It's just nice to have all this to remember him and the other officers."
There are signs throughout the race route honoring local law enforcement officers who have died in line of duty.
"We have their images, their names, end of watch dates set up throughout the route and so it's a reminder that our local law enforcement officers are putting their lives on the line every day in order to help protect their communities," said Lindsay LiCaus, founder and CEO of Back the Blue NC, and organizer of the Honor Run.
She said every dollar their organization raises goes directly to the families of fallen officers.
"It means the world to us to have the community come out and show their support," she added.
Among the runners was Bryan Purcell, a former law enforcement officer who brought his daughter with him. He said events like this help bridge the gap between officers and the communities they serve.
"There is a lot of fear towards law enforcement officers and events like these are great to show that they're just as human as we are," Purcell said, "and their community appreciates them."
Following Bryd's death, Staton took Bryd's K9 named Sasha in and gave Eyewitness News an update on how she's doing post-retirement.
"Sasha is great. She's very, very very spoiled," Sgt. Staton said. "When I got her, I got her because I knew her better than anybody. I thought I would be the biggest factor in bringing her back to normal and getting her some type of normal life -- and I was sadly mistaken. I am number four in a family of four. She loves my wife the most... So, she is very spoiled and very much loved and cared for."