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On Wednesday, the N.C. Department of Transportation joined state officials, employees from the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s office and family members to honor the late Lt. Robert J. Eury in a ceremony at Rob Wallace Park in Midland.

Two bridges taking N.C. Highway 24-27 over Rocky River between Midland and Locust are now named the “Lt. Robert J. Eury Bridge” in memory of the law enforcement officer who died while responding to a call on May 5, 1972.

Speaking to the significance of the enduring signs to be installed on the bridge, Board of Transportation at-large member Stephen Rosenburgh said, “It’s an ongoing recognition not just of the officer who gave their life but of the officers who are still here protecting us.”

Eury entered the military in December 1942 and served until January 1946, spending 24 months in foreign theaters. During his tenure, he earned the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater Campaign Medal, American Theater Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious United Award.

His daughter, Anne Griggs, recalled endearing moments she shared with her father, expressing her gratitude recognizing him with this honor.

“We deeply appreciate the Town of Midland and the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office for helping us immortalize my father,” she said. “A man who loved his family, he loved his job – he took great pride in it. That ultimately took his life.”

To solidify Eury’s memory and character, the Lt. Robert J. Eury Memorial Award is given annually to an officer with at least 20 years of experience who also demonstrates commitment to law enforcement and the citizens of Cabarrus County.

Tessa Burchett, chief deputy of the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, elaborated on the importance of remembering these times of trouble.

“We are a family, and our family always wraps each other in love in these times of tribulation,” Burchett said. “This happened over fifty years ago, but it had an impact on our community, and it is our intent to make sure that we never forget the sacrifice that Lt. Eury made, and his family made.”