Smyth County deputy called hero, noble Virginian during funeral service (2024)

Sheriff Chip Shuler called Hunter Reedy “my deputy” as he addressed the overflow crowd that gathered Saturday at Chilhowie Christian Church for Reedy’s funeral.

The longtime 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 comrades.

“Our hearts are broken, but our spirits remain strong,” said Shuler, who recalled the day Reedy walked into his office to ask 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, “Give your notice to Chilhowie.”

Shuler turned to the Bible for reflection and adapted Matthew 25, saying to 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 p.m. Friday, Aug. 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 stop until he reached a spot near the state fish hatchery.

Deputies Reedy and Michael Fedorchuk responded to assist Marion officers.

After the citation 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 at the law enforcement officers, striking both Reedy and Fedorchuk.

Officers returned fire, critically wounding Goodman, who died a week later in the 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 on his message to the gathering.

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

Eller said that Shuler does love them, that he 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. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”

That commandment still applies, Eller said, who also spoke of the outpouring of support the department has received. “Our community has shown up,” he said.

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

The Rev. Gary Sheets, who said he knew Reedy from his 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 those who wear badges.

He also cited Jesus’ commandment to love. The love and unity displayed in Smyth County this past week are the same needed to make it to heaven, Sheets said.

As senseless and tragic of Reedy’s murder was, Sheets said, “It was not in vain.” He contended that it will change lives for the better and add to God’s kingdom. He called Reedy “a true public servant and hero for mankind.”

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

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

Miyares recalled speaking to Billy Chandler, the brother of Big Stone Gap Officer Michael Chandler, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021. Billy Chandler spoke of the “burden of the badge,” and Miyares said law enforcement officers 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, on his mind, Miyares said that Reedy possessed the same spirit as the Bedford Boys, who were killed as they stormed the beaches on D-Day.

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

“We’re doing this too often,” reflected Sears, noting that they’ve been attending line-of-duty 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 beg you to continue to serve us. Continue to help us.” There’s no one else to come when people call for help. “We need you. We care. We see you,” she said.

She also turned to Christian scripture and declared to the officers, “You are making the darkness tremble.”

Sears said she recently received a Challenge Coin that featured a scripture passage. While some say government and religion shouldn’t be linked, Sears said she’s going to add a scripture passage to her challenge coins. “I don’t care what they say,” she said, noting that she knows from where her help comes, a reference to the Bible’s Psalm 121.

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

Pastor Shawn Womack reflected that Reedy packed significant living into his 28 years, having been a farmer, race car driver, bull rider, truck driver, mechanic and more. “He was about doing,” Womack said.

The inside service ended with a video that captured Reedy singing of his faith.

Before a private burial, the sheriff’s office conducted a final call for Reedy, who wore badge 360. The sheriff’s office plans to retire the number.