Cruz Memorial Highway dedicated

Part of Highway 17 in Franklin County is now the Cruz Memorial Highway.

State and city officials, members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Canon “Big Gun” Fire Department, along with a sizable number of family and friends, gathered at Canon First Baptist Church on Saturday afternoon to honor the memory of Franklin County Deputy Cruz Thomas.

Thomas, the son of Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas, died in 2014 in the line of duty.

During the ceremony, a flagpole was also placed in front of the church in honor of Thomas.

State Representative Alan Powell addressed those gathered, saying it was fitting the Georgia General Assembly approved the renaming of that stretch of Highway 17.

Also addressing the assembly was State Senator John Wilkinson.

Wilkinson echoed the appropriateness of the gesture and reassured the family that their son’s death still matters and he will be remembered.

The Canon “Big Gun” Fire Department also presented the family with a display containing a uniform shirt with insignia and badges.

After the indoor portion of the ceremony concluded, attendees gathered around the newly placed flag pole as the Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard raised a flag for the first time.