The newly constructed Park Street Bridge in Canton will be named after a former Canton police officer who was killed on the job 37 years ago.

George Rogers, a 21-year veteran of the Canton Police Department, was shot and killed during a breaking and entering and domestic violence call on May 21, 1974.

Rogers, who would have been 58 that July, was a Haywood County native and a WWII veteran. About 350 people attended his funeral, attesting to his popularity in the community, the articles noted. He is buried at Garret Hillcrest Cemetery in Waynesville.

Canton Police Chief Bryan Whitner decided to request that the bridge be named after Rogers as soon as he heard of the plans for construction.

The Town of Canton and Canton Police Department will host a formal dedication ceremony at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 5 at the Colonial Theatre. The public is invited to attend.