By Jamie Parker and Allison Bennett Dyche
Savannah Morning News
RICHMOND HILL, Ga. - A year to the day after Bryan County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Michael Larson lost his life in the line of duty, the road into the new Sheriff’s Department Complex and 911 Center in south Bryan County was dedicated in his honor.
In a morning of thick fog, Larson’s widow Lisa unveiled a sign designating the road as Sgt. Michael W. Larson Drive.
Bryan County Commission Chairman Jimmy Burnsed noted that Larson lost his life in service to the citizens of Bryan County.
“I think it is fitting to recognize that every time those who wear the fireman’s uniforms, police and sheriff’s uniforms of our community, put on those uniforms and get behind the wheel of a car, that they are in harm’s way,” he said. “We are very fortunate that this is the first officer with the BCSD to lose his life in the line of duty and we want to take the opportunity to honor the memory of Sgt. Michael Larson.”
Bryan County Sheriff Clyde Smith said Larson is missed.
“I’m proud that we were able to dedicate the road here to Mike Larson,” Smith said. “He has certainly been sadly missed by our department for the last 12 months and he is still sadly missed by us and his family.”
Lisa, with tears in her eyes, said of the ceremony: “Actually I am kind of at a loss for words. It is a great honor; he would be very, very proud.”
Larson was killed Dec. 10, 2006, in northern Bryan County after colliding with a disabled vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 280 and Ga. 204.
As he was responding to a call to assist a fellow officer, his patrol car sideswiped the disabled car that had been left in the oncoming lane of traffic, sending him into a line of trees where the fatal impact occurred.
The disabled car belonged to John Lynwood Smith, a then 23-year-old resident of Guyton. Smith was arraigned in Bryan County Superior Court earlier Monday, and entered a plea of not guilty.
He is charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, reckless driving, possession of marijuana and weaving over the roadway. Smith’s trial date has not yet been announced. He will be represented by Statesboro attorney Keith Barber.
Copyright 2007 The Savannah Morning News