The entrance road to the new Bryan County Sheriff’s Department Complex was renamed Sergeant Michael W. Larson Drive on Monday in a ceremony that took place one year after Larson was killed in the line of duty.
Family, friends, co-workers and city and county officials were present to commemorate his honor.
“We’re here to dedicate this street for the new Sheriff’s Complex and 911 Call Center in honor and memory of Sergeant Michael Larson, who died in the line of duty exactly one year ago today,” County Commission Chairman Jimmy Burnsed said. “To all those in Bryan County who wear a uniform – fire fighters, police, EMS, every one of them – every time they put on their uniform, they are in harms way.”
Larson’s widow Lisa unveiled the new street sign in her husband’s name.
“I’m at a loss for words,” she said. “I’m very honored and he would have been very proud.”
Larson’s mother, Joanne Morris, and her family drove to Bryan County from Naples, Fla., to be at the unveiling. While emotions ran high for the family, everyone agreed Larson would be “tickled to death” of the dedication in his name, as Lisa Larson put it.
“He would have said, ‘Of course!’” Morris said.
Larson was killed in a traffic accident while responding to a call from another officer for backup. There will a candlelight vigil tonight in honor of the anniversary of Larson’s passing. It will be held on Sgt. Michael W. Larson Drive at 6 p.m.