CHARLOTTE – Earlier today, the N.C. Department of Transportation joined Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and other state and local officials to dedicate the bridge on W.T. Harris Boulevard over Interstate 85 in honor of Officer Mia Goodwin.
The ceremony, held just east of the bridge, included remarks from CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings and retired CMPD Sgt. Darrell Antley. N.C. Board of Transportation At-Large Member Stephen Rosenburgh emceed the ceremony.
“I'll never forget the night I got that phone call, and it changed my life forever, it changed many of you, many of your lives forever," Chief Jennings said as he recalled the events of that day. “And I remember thinking as a police chief that there's one call you never, ever want to get, and that's to find out you've lost one of your own."
A six-year veteran of the department, Officer Goodwin died on Dec. 22, 2021 while helping with traffic control from an earlier crash, protecting others on site. She was the first female officer in the department's history to die in the line of duty, remembered for her kindness and her love for the community she served.
“Having worked by her side, I can attest on these very streets that she was a God-loving, intelligent, compassionate young officer, destined for a stellar law enforcement career," said Sgt. Antley.
Now, as drivers cross the “Officer Mia Goodwin Bridge" on W.T. Harris Boulevard, Mia's life and service will always be remembered.
Pictures from today's event are available on NCDOT's Flickr account.