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The bridge spanning Long Creek on N.C. Highway 73 in Albemarle has a new official designation.

At a ceremony April 11, the North Carolina Department of Transportation dedicated the bridge to former state trooper Paul W. Smith.

Smith, a World War II veteran serving with the Army Air Corps, died in a car crash while on duty on May 26, 1948.

Tony Lathrop, the chair of the Board of Transportation, served as emcee for the dedication ceremony, which was moved to Oakboro Community Building because of rain.

Maj. Matt Hardee of the state Highway Patrol described the circumstances of how Smith died.

Smith attended Basic Patrol School in 1947 and was assigned to Stanly County. Six months into his assignment, he was pursing a vehicle when the hood of his car opened up, Hardee said.

“The obstruction caused him to run off the road, striking an embankment in a turn,” Hardee added. “With today’s ceremony, we not only memorialize Paul’s sacrifice, but we recognize the importance of these bridge dedications, as they serve as a public reminder of the dangers that all law enforcement officers face. Serving in uniform is one of the most noble and selfless acts a person can perform.”

Hardee also said the bridge dedication “has been a long time coming, and it is an important opportunity to honor our fallen brother who gave everything in the service of our great state.”

Debra Hayes, granddaughter of Smith, spoke on behalf of the family, thanking the DOT for the honor.

She detailed her grandfather’s service in World War II, saying he won many awards including the Soldier’s Award for Heroism. The award came when he was lowered into a bomb shaft to free two 1,000-pound bombs which were stuck and would not allow the plane to land.

Hayes said her grandmother and grandfather were about to move to Albemarle when the accident took place.

She said her grandmother carried his trooper badge with her for many years until it was stolen. The badge was replaced in May 2019 by the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Members of the family then unveiled the new sign, which reads, “Patrolman Paul W. Smith Bridge.”