Deal supports naming GA 400 flyover after Capt. Herb

ATLANTA — Governor Nathan Deal says he would support a resolution naming the new Georgia 400 flyover ramps for long-time WSB traffic reporter Captain Herb Emory.

Captain Herb passed away Saturday afternoon of a heart attack while assisting motorists involved in a traffic accident not far from his Douglas County home.

"I think that would be appropriate," said Deal Monday morning.  "We name bridges, we name stretches of highways for people that have significance, and I think he certainly fits in that category."

By law, the governor and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) board cannot rename portions of roadways for people.  That power lies with the General Assembly.

Monday morning, State Sen. Mike Dugan, (R) Carrollton, announced he would profile the legislation needed to pass a resolution to name the flyover ramps for Captain Herb. Legislators passed a similar resolution naming the intersection of Courtland St. and Ralph McGill Blvd. after WSB radio personality Royal Marshall passed away.

Although he said he's listened to Captain Herb's traffic reports for years, Deal said he only met him once during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new ramps.  He even posted a photo of the meeting on his Facebook page.

"He was an extraordinary individual," said Deal. "He was the voice of what's happening on our roadways.  He's going to be missed."

GDOT Spokesperson Mark McKinnon knew Captain Herb for many years and said he was always a big help getting out information crucial to commuters.

"In my job, it is sometimes very difficult to make sure that accurate information gets out," said McKinnon. "I could always count on Herb to make sure that it was accurate."

McKinnon showed off a WSB Sky copter Lounge cap given to him by Captain Herb many years ago.

"Every time I wear my hat, I think of Herb," said McKinnon.  "I'll wear it with pride, and I'll remember a man who helped me out a lot over the years."

The General Assembly doesn't meet again until next January, the earliest it could pass a resolution renaming the flyover ramps.

WSBTV