Last week, State Senator David Bullard, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office and the family of Deputy Michael Dee Pace gathered to unveil the signs officially dedicating the bridge over Choctaw Road on U.S. Highway 69/75 as the Deputy Michael Dee Pace Memorial Bridge.
When Sheriff Johnny Christian took office, he retired Deputy Pace’s badge number, “Bryan 5,” in recognition of his service and sacrifice.
Pace, who was a sergeant with the sheriff’s office was returning home on Highway 69/75 in his patrol car at the end of his shift on Dec. 23, 1998, when a tractor-trailer pulled across the highway, blocking most of the lanes of traffic. Deputy Pace swerved to avoid a collision but struck the rear portion of the trailer, shearing off the top of his patrol car. He died from his injuries six days later.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office for three years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
With the support of Senator Bullard and former State Representative Dustin Roberts, HB2311 was introduced to name the bridge in Deputy Pace’s honor. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt on July 29, 2019.
“Today’s dedication was more than a ceremony — it was the fulfillment of a promise and a lasting tribute to a hero,” the sheriff’s office said, in a social media post. “We are honored to see Deputy Pace remembered in such a meaningful way.”
