Rocky Mount, N.C. – On Friday, Nash County officials, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and local residents gathered to dedicate the Old Carriage Road bridge on U.S. 64 in memory of Deputy Jared Allen, who died while performing his duties on Thanksgiving Day 2020.
Memorial service and dedication ceremony
The ceremony began with a solemn memorial at Edgewood Baptist Church, where family, friends and fellow officers paid tribute to the 26‑year‑old deputy and veteran. Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone addressed the crowd, recalling the moment he learned of the tragic accident and emphasizing the importance of proficiency in both firearms and vehicle operation for officers tasked with protecting the public.
“I tell each one of my members, ‘Be proficient with your firearm. Be proficient with your vehicle, and understand that sometimes it’s a life‑threatening event to save others,'” Sheriff Stone said.
Bridge naming as a lasting tribute
Following the church service, participants traveled to the bridge, which recently underwent widening and reopened above U.S. 64, just miles from the site of Deputy Allen’s fatal crash on U.S. 301. A new sign bearing his name was unveiled, providing a permanent reminder of his dedication to the community.
“This is a small token of appreciation,” Sheriff Stone called the dedication, noting that the bridge will serve as a lasting memorial for the deputy who gave his life protecting others.
Family reflects on loss and community support
Deputy Allen’s parents, Scott Allen and Angela McClellan, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. “It’s a huge honor,” Scott Allen said. “We’ve been humbled by so many gestures of respect for Jared, and this is yet another one. This is a long‑lasting memorial.”
Both parents acknowledged that grief remains a daily challenge. “It’s tough every day,” Angela McClellan added. “I still get emotional about it.” They also highlighted how the community’s kindness has helped them endure the loss, noting that they have “gained so many new family members as a result of losing one.”
Impact on the community
The dedication underscores the close ties between Nash County law‑enforcement agencies and the residents they serve. By naming a vital piece of infrastructure after Deputy Allen, the county not only honors his sacrifice but also reinforces the shared values of faith, family and liberty that bind the community together.
Local officials hope the bridge will stand as a reminder of the dedication required of public servants and the importance of supporting one another in times of tragedy.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
