The U.S. 70 Business/Market Street Bridge in Downtown Smithfield will soon be named in memory of a local hero who devoted his career to the communities of Smithfield and Johnston County.
At their January meeting, the N.C. Board of Transportation approved the naming of the bridge over the Neuse River as the Deputy C. Paul West Sr. Bridge in honor of the late Johnston County Sheriff’s deputy. West’s sister, Angie attended the board meeting along with former Board of Transportation Member Durwood Stephenson.
West was a graduate of Smithfield-Selma High School, joined the United States Marine Corps and after an honorable discharge returned to Johnston County where he later became a deputy with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to his work, West spent countless hours working in his community to support the youth through coaching and volunteering.
On September 11, 1995, West was fatally wounded in the line of duty. He left behind a wife and two sons. The Johnston County Board of Commissioners and the Smithfield Town Council requested the bridge be named in honor of West.
A ceremony to officially name the bridge over the Neuse River as the Deputy C. Paul West Sr. Bridge will be scheduled for later this year.
