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WJHL
Droves of law enforcement accompany slain Smyth Co. deputy home
By Murry LeeKaren Jenkins,
5 days ago
SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — Law enforcement from across Southwest Virginia accompanied a fallen Smyth County deputy home from Roanoke on Monday.
Deputy Hunter Reedy was fatally shot on Friday night in Smyth County. Another deputy, Michael Fedorchuk, was also injured in the shooting. Fedorchuk was released from the hospital the next afternoon, according to Virginia State Police.
On Monday, Reedy’s body was transported back from the medical examiner’s office in Roanoke. A full procession comprised of vehicles from multiple law enforcement agencies accompanied him back to the Bradley Funeral Home in Marion.
Crowds lined the streets of Marion to show their support and honor Reedy, while the Marion and Chilhowie Fire Departments hoisted an American flag over Main Street.
“I just had someone tell me recently that every bridge or overpass between here and Roanoke had apparatus or citizens or first responders showing their remorse and appreciation for Deputy Reedy,” Marion Fire Chief Rusty Hamm said.
“It’s important because we stand with law enforcement here,” said Jeanette Winston of the Job Corps in Marion, who attended the procession. “They have been such awesome supporters of the Job Corps. They come and do different demonstrations there, and we just want to show that we care for them and we support them in this tragic situation.”
Reedy leaves behind a wife and three children, Smyth County Sheriff Chip Shuler told News Channel 11.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Chilhowie Christian Church. The family will receive friends on Friday from 3–6 p.m. at the church.
Following Reedy’s death, various agencies, lawmakers and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin offered their condolences and support. Chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team were deployed to Smyth County to offer some comfort and assistance to Reedy’s fellow deputies.
“We’ve been given the thumbs up to do ride along,” said Jason Scalzi, a chaplain with the response team. “We’re all either retired or active law enforcement. We know the culture, we know those vehicles are their offices and that’s where they spend most of their time, and we’re able to ride with them, hear their heart and share with them.”
Photo: Deputy Hunter Reedy’s body was accompanied back to Marion on Monday by a procession. (WJHL)
Timothy Wayne Goodman, 65, of North Carolina has been charged in the shooting. Goodman faces one count of aggravated murder, four counts of attempted aggravated murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
According to VSP, officers with the Town of Marion Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle in the town limits on Friday. The vehicle reportedly did not stop until it was out in the county, and deputies had arrived to assist the officers.
Marion Police Chief John Clair told News Channel 11 that Goodman was issued a citation but then became agitated. The VSP reports that during the traffic stop, Goodman fired shots at the deputies and officers, who returned fire.
Goodman was transported to a nearby hospital after the shooting for treatment of serious injuries, state police previously reported.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip Blevins said in a previous statement that Fedorchuk is expected to fully recover. He also said that he “will not rest until the murderer is held accountable for his actions.”
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