Auburn Knightdale Road Bridge renamed in honor of fallen Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd

KNIGHTDALE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Auburn Knightdale Road Bridge has been renamed to honor fallen Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd.

It's been three years since Byrd was shot and killed by brothers Alder Marin-Sotelo and Arturo Marin-Sotelo. The case is set for trial in September of 2026.

The bridge was renamed to "Deputy Ned P. Byrd Bridge." The name change, approved by the Wake County commissioners and the NCDOT, was marked by a bridge dedication ceremony on Friday.

A former co-worker of Deputy Byrd, Lt. David Bradford, described him as a "good guy" who was always willing to help, saying, "We miss him, and this is a great way to honor him."

After the ceremony, the Byrd family and members of the Wake County Sheriff's Office traveled to the bridge.

"We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as we take this time to honor the service and sacrifice of Deputy Ned Byrd," Sheriff Willie Rowe said. "We thank the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the Wake County Board of Commissioners for making this dedication possible."

SEE ALSO: 1 year ago, Deputy Ned Byrd was killed in the line of duty

Deputy Byrd's partner, Sgt. Andrew Staton said he still remembers getting a call that Deputy Byrd was shot and killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop..

Staton said he still keeps Byrd's picture in his patrol car, and even adopted his K9 Sasha.

"I'm very grateful for it, to be honest. When I knew how much Bird loved her, I knew no one person could replicate that. So I'm very grateful," Staton said.

Now, an even larger honor. A bridge officially named the Ned P Byrd Bridge along Auburn-Knightdale Road.

"When you drive on his bridge, you will be crossing over a bridge of opportunity to be the difference, the make a difference, to be like Ned," said Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe.

A story that continues every time people drive by.

"It is a true honor, and he is truly deserving. I can't think of a more deserving person. He would drop anything and do anything for anybody. And at the drop of a hat, anybody he knew, he didn't... they weren't... a stranger," Staton said.

ABC11 reporter Tom George contributed to this report.