A pavilion at Amerson River Park has been renamed to honor and remember fallen officer Sergeant William “Bill” Gay. On Friday, July 21, Mayor Lester Miller, Commissioners, Parks & Beautification Department, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office held a Dedication Ceremony for friends and family of Sgt. Gay.

“Sgt. Gay protected our community diligently and selflessly, and there will never be a proper way to thank him for that. But we hope that renaming this pavilion will allow his legacy to live on,” said Mayor Miller.

Commissioners passed a resolution earlier this year to rename the Buff Pavilion near the Sheridan Overlook the Sgt. William Gay Pavilion. He joined the Macon Police Department in April 2007 and rose to Sergeant. in February 2012. He served in the Criminal Investigation Property Division. He also worked at Amerson River Park, patrolling and protecting the patrons at the park.

“Law enforcement can be quite chaotic, complex, and dangerous, but this place I think is one of the reasons Bill loved this place out here is because it brought peace,” said Sheriff David Davis. “Let’s always remember the sacrifices Bill made and the love that he had. He used this park to probably center his life to be more dedicated to serving our community.”

Sgt. Gay’s parents, Tim and Linda Gay, traveled from Louisiana to be at the ceremony. His wife MayAnn and children were also in attendance.

“He enjoyed coming here almost every day. He’s an outdoor guy, and this was the perfect job for him,” said MayAnn Gay. “His family is humbled that this pavilion will be named in his honor, and I am glad to accept this on behalf of his family and friends.”

You can watch the full ceremony by clicking here.