Trooper A. J. Stocks Bridge Dedication Ceremony Held

JOHNSTON COUNTY – Local and state officials gathered at the Cleveland Fire Department on Cleveland Road for a dedication ceremony for the Trooper A. J. Stocks Bridge, Tuesday morning.

The NC Department of Transportation dedicated the Veterans Parkway/ NC 36 Bridge over Interstate 40 (Exit 312-A) to the former state trooper.

An Army and Marine veteran, Trooper Stocks died on September 9, 2008 when his patrol car collided with a truck on Ten Ten Road near Garner while responding to a traffic accident.

Stocks was remembered for always serving others and willing to help anyone in need. He served as a U.S. Marine-Crash Fire Fighter, Paramedic, NC Paramedic Instructor, and U.S. Army Ordinance Soldier with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

He served as a NC State Trooper for four years prior to his death.

At the request of the State Highway Patrol, the NCDOT approved a resolution in November 2024 to dedicate the bridge after the fallen officer.

Trooper A.J. Stocks was 43 years old.

The bridge dedication will serve as a memorial and reminder of his service and sacrifice.