West Virginia State Trooper killed in the line of duty

 As drivers travel along a portion of Rt. 119 in Logan County, they will see a new sign honoring Sgt. Cory Maynard.

“I thought it was very poignant that the state of West Virginia State Police are never going to forget Cory Maynard,” Sgt. Maynard’s Uncle, David Maynard said. “And that’s, you know, it’s symbolized by putting up a sign.”

Family, troopers, and friends gathered at the West Virginia State Police detachment in Logan County for a highway dedication honoring West Virginia State Police Sergeant Cory Maynard on Wednesday.

Troopers say Sgt. Maynard was killed in the line of duty in Mingo County in June of 2023.

For David Maynard, he says the sign is more than metal and letters: it’s a promise. He says it’s a promise that his nephew’s name and his service will never be forgotten.

“I always remember Corey as just being a kid that runs around a hundred miles an hour helping people always had an answer for a good answer for many things,” Maynard said.

Senior Trooper J. P. Ziegler says the sign now marks a portion of U. S. 119 in Logan County from Old Logan Road to Fountain Place. He says it’s a place Maynard loved.

“Cory loved coming to the top of Crawley Dip because you can see out and see pretty far on either side whenever you come through the dip,” Ziegler said. “And he just loved looking out and seeing, you know, the mountains and just seeing the scenery. So that was a spot of road that he really enjoyed.”

Troopers say this dedication will stand as a permanent reminder of his sacrifice and his unwavering dedication to keeping West Virginians safe.

“Cory could make you smile,” Ziegler said. “He could make you laugh. He made your day better. Just his presence made your day better. He just, he was just so full of life and just such a loving person. He loved everybody.

Although he is gone, troopers say his legacy will live on for generations to come.