BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — The new bridge along Big Springs Road in Friendsville has been named after fallen Deputy Greg McCowan three months after his death.

Family, friends and Blount County Sheriff’s deputies including Deputy Shelby Eggers were in attendance for the bridge dedication. The new bridge shines as a bright spot on a tragic event.

“It was emotional. I hadn’t even considered or thought about that,” Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said. “When Superintendent Hedrick called and told me what he wanted to do and what his plans were and what bridge it was, it was very meaningful to me.”

McCowan’s daughter got emotional while talking about her father.

“I want to say thank you to the Blount County community for the unbelievable amount of support,” Cayley McCowan said. “Thank you to the Blount County Deputies and Sheriff Berrong for giving us so much comfort love and support and having our backs always. Thank you.”

The uncle of Deputy McCowan’s fiancé told WATE about the lasting impact McCowan had.

“He was a great person,” Willy Oliver said. “He actually came to our house for Thanksgiving dinner this last year and that’s the first time I really met him. He was just an outstanding person.”

Oliver added the outpouring of support couldn’t have been better. The bridge will hold a lasting memory for Berrong.

“Greg Mccowan, my deputy that did his job and my other deputy that I don’t want to be forgotten that did her job, Shelby Eggers,” Berrong said. “Those two employees I will continue thinking about for the rest of my life.”

Cayley McCowan said her dad was a hero in every meaning of the word and he always found a way to make people smile. The family members were each given an honorary sign bearing the new name of the bridge.

McCowan was shot and killed while Eggers was injured on Feb. 8 during a traffic stop. He was honored in a public funeral service on Feb. 14 attended by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee before a lengthy procession to Grandview Cemetery where he was laid to rest.

Suspect Kenneth DeHart was apprehended in Knoxville after nearly five days on the run. He has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and felon in possession of a weapon. DeHart’s brother, girlfriend and another man have been charged with being an accessory-after-the-fact.