Vigil held in honor of fallen Smyth County Deputy

MARION, Va. (WJHL) – Members of the Smyth County community gathered at the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office for a vigil honoring the loss of one of their own.

Smyth County Deputy Hunter Reedy was killed after a shooting on Friday, and Deputy Michael Fedorchuk was injured.

“We’re so saddened today,” said Arthur Chapman, Pastor at Marion Church of God. “Our heart is saddened after the death of one and one injured.”

On Saturday, a community of local pastors organized the vigil to honor the deputies and their families.

“A fellow pastor,” said David Medley, Pastor at Brookside Baptist Church in Sugar Grove, Va. “[He] called yesterday and this was orchestrated in a very small amount of time.”

Friends, family and strangers gathered to honor Deputy Reedy, pray over Deputy Fedorchuk and provide comfort to one another.

Among those gathered was Sue Tilson. Tilson was Reedy’s former teacher and found herself still reeling from the news of his death.

“I just keep trying to internalize what has possessed someone to do this,” said Tilson.

Seeing the gathered crowd reminded Tilson about the strong-knit community she is a part of.

“It’s part of our community culture that when one hurts, you’re going to have the support,” said Tilson.

Medley agreed that a united community is important.

“I think this is a beautiful picture of how we can come together and support one another in times of tragedy,” said Medley.

“I really believe [I’ve] seen some broken hearts today,” said Chapman. “And I believe this will only go forward as a stronger community.”

A funeral for Reedy has not yet been scheduled but there is a procession scheduled for Monday.

A statement about Monday’s procession from John W. Jones, the executive director of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, is provided below:

“On behalf of Smyth County Sheriff Chip Shuler, please find details for the escort of Deputy Hunter Reedy. The Smyth County Sheriff’s Office will be escorting the body of Deputy Reedy from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke back home to Smyth County around 12:30 PM on Monday, August 12. Sheriff Shuler invites any sheriff’s office that would like to participate to join along Interstate 81 from Roanoke back to Marion.”

John. W. Jones, Virginia Sheriff’s Association Executive Director

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