A section of Hwy. 51 will now bear the name of one of Lincoln County’s finest officers.

Hwy. 51 from Lee Drive north to Cold Springs Lane has been officially named in honor of William Durr, a deputy killed in the line of duty in 2017.

A dedication ceremony took place Tuesday at Moak’s Creek Baptist Church, where Durr and his family attended.

The highway renaming was made possible because of the area’s legislators. The governor signed the bill needed to rename the highway back in March.

“When men and women of law enforcement put on their uniforms and head out the door each morning, they never know what each day will bring,” Southern Transportation District Commissioner Tom King said at the dedication ceremony. “But they know their job is to ensure their community is safe.”

That’s what Durr was known for — making sure his community was safe.

“He’s always been a servant and that’s what I remember him as,” Sheriff Steve Rushing said. “William was the greatest servant I could ever know.”

The highway renaming is a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life in service of others.

We are grateful to those who made it possible, especially Rep. Becky Currie, who helped push the bill through the Legislature.