ATLANTA — An emotional ceremony took place at the state capitol Wednesday in memory of WSB's Capt. Herb Emory, who died last April of a massive heart attack.
One of the busiest interchanges in metro Atlanta, the Georgia 400 and Interstate 85 flyover ramp, is now named in his honor.
"I can't tell you what a tremendous honor this is, that the people of Atlanta would think so much of Herb," said Karen Emory, Capt. Herb's widow.
Emory fought back tears at the emotional dedication ceremony in honor of her late husband.
Commuters remember Capt. Herb's voice all too well. Now, when they drive on the Georgia 400 flyover ramp, they'll be reminded of how metro Atlanta's best-known traffic reporter helped get us through the gridlock.
"He was a constant entertainer from the time he rolled out of bed at 4 in the morning until late at night," Emory told Channel 2's Lori Geary.
Capt. Herb's traffic team was on hand at the dedication ceremony.
"A wonderful legacy that continues for not only us as WSB traffic team members but for the city of Atlanta," said WSB's Smilin' Mark McKay.
"Everything I do in NewsChopper 2 now, I learned from Herb. I didn't know anything about it before getting in that helicopter 20 some odd years ago," said Channel 2's Jason Durden.
Capt. Herb was also remembered for his huge heart and his dedication to the community.
"Herb was a giver, he loved people. He loved children, he loved animals. That's how he lived his life, trying to help those people in whatever capacity he could," Emory said.
Emory told Geary she hopes people will remember and smile when they drive over the ramp that opened on what would be Capt. Herb's final birthday.
"How much I miss him, that's what I'm going to think about. But at the same time I'm going to think how proud I am of him and our lives together. The impact Herb made to metro Atlantans," said Emory.
Capt. Herb celebrated his birthday at the ramp's dedication ceremony. He died 10 days later while saving a driver from a car wreck.
WSBTV
