Smyth County Deputy Called Hero, Noble Virginian During Funeral Service

The former Smyth County Sheriff also called the 28-year-old deputy killed in the line of duty a hero who gave his life for the community and his fellow soldiers.

“Our hearts are broken, but our spirits remain strong,” said Shuler, who recalled the day Reedy walked into his office to inquire about a job.

Then an officer with the Chilhowie Police Department, Shuler said he already knew Reedy’s strength of character and, in a rare move, told him, “Let Chilhowie know.”

Shuler turned to the Bible to reflect and adapted Matthew 25, telling Hunter, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The tragedy that took Reedy’s life began with what both local and state law enforcement said was a routine traffic stop on Highway 16 in Marion around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9 . A Marion officer attempted to stop a speeding vehicle in town, but the driver, identified as Timothy Wayne Goodman, did not pull over or pull over until he reached a spot near the state fish hatchery.

Deputies Reedy and Michael Fedorchuk responded to assist Marion Officers.

After the summons was issued, Marion Police Chief John Clair said Goodman became agitated and a deputy went to check on him. Goodman, police said, then opened fire on law enforcement officers, striking both Reedy and Fedorchuk.

The officers returned fire, seriously injuring Goodman, who died a week later in hospital.

Reedy died at the scene. Fedorchuck was airlifted to an area hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. He was released the next day and is said to be recovering well.

During his funeral message, Shuler also expressed his love for his staff and Reedy’s family.

Pastor and deputy Wes Eller used another expression of the sheriff’s love as the focus of his message to the congregation.

Last Saturday, Eller said, Shuler sent an email to his staff. While Eller admitted he doesn’t remember the body of the message, he did know how it concluded: “I love you all!!!” He particularly noted the three exclamation marks.

Eller said Shuler loved them, knew the law enforcement agency needed to be reminded of that trust, and God knew it should be talked about a week later at Reedy’s service.

Eller turned to the Bible’s Gospel of John, which recounts Jesus saying, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

That order still applies, said Eller, who also talked about the outpouring of support the department has received. “Our community came up,” he said.

Eller told of sheriff’s deputies from neighboring counties who arrived the night of the shooting and took over so officers Smyth could be with Reedy’s family.

rev. Gary Sheets, who said he has known Reedy since birth, also reflected on the response to the tragedy. “My heart is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for this family,” as well as the camaraderie among the badge wearers.

He also quoted Jesus’ command to love. The love and unity displayed in Smyth County last week are the same ones needed to get to heaven, Sheets said.

As senseless and tragic as Reedy’s killing was, Sheets said, “It wasn’t in vain.” He claimed he would change lives for the better and add to the kingdom of God. He called Reedy “a true public servant and a hero to mankind.”

Those who knew Reedy well were joined by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, who offered condolences on behalf of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Reedy, Miyares said, is a “son of Virginia who is a true hero.”

Miyares recalled speaking with Billy Chandler, the brother of Big Stone Gap Officer Michael Chandler, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021. Billy Chandler talked about the “burden of the badge,” and Miyares said that law enforcement officers I regularly see the unspeakable. . He thanked the officers gathered from across the Commonwealth and beyond for the funeral.

With a recent trip to Normandy, France in mind, Miyares said Reedy possessed the same spirit as the Bedford Boys, who were killed while storming the beaches on D-Day.

Reedy, he said, is “one of the noblest Virginians who ever lived.”

“We do this too often,” reflected Sears, noting that they have attended service funerals since their first year in office.

Noting that she and her husband served in the Marines, Sears said their enemies were overseas, but for Hunter, “his enemy was here.”

To law enforcement officers, Sears said, “I implore you to continue to serve us. Keep helping us.” No one comes when people call for help. “We need you. We care. See you,” she said.

She also referred to Christian scriptures and told the officers, “You make the darkness tremble.”

Sears said he recently received a challenge coin that contained a passage of scripture. While some say government and religion should not be linked, Sears said she will add a passage of scripture to her challenge coins. “I don’t care what they say,” she said, noting that she knows where her help comes from, a reference to Psalm 121 in the Bible.

Challenge coins began as a military tradition to recognize significant achievements.

Pastor Shawn Womack reflected that Reedy led a meaningful life in his 28 years as a farmer, race car driver, bull rider, truck driver, mechanic and more. “He wanted to,” Womack said.

The indoor service ended with a video that captured Reedy singing about his faith.

Before a private funeral, the sheriff’s office made a final call for Reedy, who was wearing a 360 badge. The sheriff’s office plans to retire the number.