Road in West Ashley Renamed to Honor Legacy of Fallen Deputy Jeremy LaDue

Road in West Ashley Renamed to Honor Fallen Deputy

In a heartfelt ceremony held in West Ashley, South Carolina, a section of Savannah Highway near Mutual Drive has been officially renamed to pay tribute to Deputy Jeremy LaDue. This somber yet uplifting event took place to commemorate the memory of the 29-year-old Charleston County Sheriff’s Office deputy, who tragically lost his life in an on-duty crash back in April 2020.

Family and Community Gather to Remember

The unveiling of the new road sign, now known as the Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Christopher LaDue Memorial Intersection, was attended by LaDue’s family, colleagues from the sheriff’s office, as well as local community leaders. The atmosphere was thick with emotion as friends and family honored a dedicated officer who gave so much in such a brief time. Jim Woods, a former captain with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, shared poignant thoughts about LaDue’s short but impactful career, saying, “The thing that I think about the most about Jeremy is he was just 14 months into this job.”

A Sign of Service and Dedication

The renaming of the section of Savannah Highway is not just a sign; it stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel. Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano spoke during the ceremony and emphasized how critically important it is for the community to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of officers like LaDue. She stated, “Jeremy gave his life for this community, so it’s important for the community to know that the work that he did for this community. He gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Family Reflection and Gratitude

LaDue’s father, Donald LaDue, expressed how much the tribute means to the family. “It keeps the memory of Jeremy alive. And it reminds all of us that it’s dangerous for law enforcement officers out there,” he shared with a heart full of both pride and sorrow. Donald continued, “We still think of him every single day. His picture is everywhere in our house. And you still feel like he’s going to come walking through the door at any time. But we know he’s not. He was a good kid. I mean, he was my kid. I think the world of him. I think he was the best son there was.”

A Lasting Legacy

The road renaming is a permanent testament to the service and sacrifice of Deputy LaDue, facilitated by a resolution passed by the state of South Carolina in May 2024. The installation of several signs along the newly named intersection serves as a heartfelt tribute, ensuring that his memory will endure in the community he loved serving.

As residents of West Ashley drive along Savannah Highway, they will now see the Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Christopher LaDue Memorial Intersection as a meaningful reminder of the bravery that many law enforcement officers demonstrate daily. The intersection not only honors a fallen officer but also serves as a symbol of the community’s gratitude and respect. It stands to remind everyone of the risks faced by those who wear the badge and how dedicated they are to protecting and serving the community.