The Georgia State Patrol is set to honor the first state trooper to die in the line of duty with a memorial in Macon.

Officials say Georgia State Trooper Sgt. William Frederick Black Jr. is being honored with a memorial Wednesday at the Interstate 16 and Ocmulgee East Boulevard interchange in Macon.

Officials say Black became the first state trooper to die in the line of duty on Dec. 20, 1940. The Legislature adopted a resolution during the last session to dedicate the interchange to his memory.

Gov. Nathan Deal is slated to deliver a keynote speech during a ceremony at the Grand Opera House in Macon before the memorial signs are unveiled at the interchange.

Officials say the ceremony will also include a wreath-laying at Black's grave.

Tags: Georgia State Patrol, memorial, law enforcement officers, officer fatalities