Greensboro dedication names Sandy Ridge Road bridge for late Sgt. Dale Nix

Matthew Whitley, deputy division engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, announced at the ceremony that the bridge on Sandy Ridge Road over Interstate 40 will be known as the Sergeant Dale Nicks Bridge, and thanked the Nix family and local partners for attending the dedication.

The naming ceremony featured remarks from the mayor of Greensboro, testimony from members of the Greensboro Police Department and the Family Justice Center, and a family tribute before the sign unveiling. Whitley said the Department and Secretary Daniel Johnson supported the dedication to recognize Sergeant Nix's service.

"From today forward, the bridge behind us on Sandy Ridge Road over Interstate 40 will be known as the Sergeant Dale Nicks Bridge," Whitley said. The program also noted that Nix took pride in being an officer and "conducted himself with character and honor both on and off duty."

The mayor of Greensboro praised Nix's two decades of service and his work with domestic violence victims and their families, saying naming the bridge will help keep his legacy visible to thousands of passersby. "He is remembered not for how he died, but for how he lived," the mayor said.

Detective Caroline Holiday of the Family Victims Unit recalled Nix's leadership and steady presence, saying it had been "almost 2 and a half years since our friend and leader was killed" and describing the ongoing impact of his mentorship on unit members.

Sonya Desai, director and Greensboro manager for the Family Justice Center of Greensboro, said she had escorted Sergeant Nix's body back to the city and described how bridges along the procession route became places where residents and emergency personnel paused to pay respect. "Those bridges became more than structures. They became a place of honor and respect," Desai said.

Skip Nix, introduced by the emcee as Sergeant Nix's uncle, thanked the crowd, recognized Officer Andy Reid for spearheading the naming effort and urged continued attention to public safety and recruitment in the city. He closed on a personal note referencing Nix's love of Star Wars: "Today, big guy, I got yours... may the force be with you."

The ceremony concluded with family members stepping forward for the unveiling of the new sign marking the dedication. Organizers said the sign is intended as a lasting public reminder of the officer's service and sacrifice.