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ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. -- State officials gathered in Onslow County Thursday to honor two public servants who died in the line of duty. The Department of Transportation dedicated the Steve Boehm and Gene Thomas Bridge along U.S. 17.

For their families left behind, it's a small way county and state officials can recognize their sacrifice. "It’s a tough situation, the families have lost a loved one. In many cases a provider,” said Gene Conti of the DOT. “So it's heart wrenching but we think it's important to recognize their contribution."

Boehm was a deputy for the Onslow County Sheriff's Office. Thomas was the assistant fire chief for the Verona Volunteer Fire Department. He also worked for the Department of Transportation.

"He was very dedicated,” said Kevin Davis, now the assistant chief Verona Volunteer Fire Department.” For the 33 1/2 years that he served, he was one of the key players in the fire department."

The men were directing traffic on highway 17 during a controlled burn in June of 2008. A tractor-trailer struck and killed them both.

Officials said dedicating the bridge is one small way they can honor the men and their hard work throughout the years. "It does uplift the spirit of both families, to see that our commissioners, our county and our state would do this recognition," said Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown.

Thomas was 51 and Boehm was 36 years old.

"We don't have to have a sign to remember him,” said Davis. “It's for the people who didn't know Gene and Steve that give a little bit of insight as to what happened almost two years ago."