“Our hearts are broken, but our spirits remain strong,” said Shuler, recalling the day Reedy came to his office to ask for a job.

Shuler, then a police officer with the Chilhowie Police Department, said he already knew Reedy’s strength of character and, in an unusual move, told him, “Resign from Chilhowie.”

Shuler turned to the Bible for reflection and adapted Matthew 25 by saying to Hunter, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The tragedy that took Reedy’s life began with a routine traffic stop on Highway 16 in Marion on Friday, Aug. 9, around 5 p.m., according to both local and state authorities. A Marion officer attempted to pull over 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.

Representatives Reedy and Michael Fedorchuk supported Marion officials.

After the citation was issued, Goodman became agitated and a deputy went after him, according to Police Chief John Clair. Goodman then opened fire on the officers, hitting both Reedy and Fedorchuk, police said.

The officers returned fire, seriously wounding Goodman. He died in hospital a week later.

Reedy died at the scene. Fedorchuck was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. He was released the next day and is reportedly recovering well.

In his eulogy, Shuler also expressed his love for his co-workers 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 employees. Eller admitted that he did not remember the text of the message, but he knew how it ended: “I love you all!!!” He was particularly struck by the three exclamation marks.

Eller said that Shuler truly loved her and that he knew law enforcement needed to be reminded of that trust and that God knows it would be discussed at Reedy’s memorial service a week later.

Eller referred to the Gospel of John in the Bible, in which Jesus says: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, you also must love one another.”

That commandment still stands, said Eller, who also spoke of the great support the department has received. “Our community has stepped up,” he said.

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

Reverend Gary Sheets, who said he has known Reedy since he was born, also commented on the reaction to the tragedy. “My heart is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support shown to this family,” as well as the camaraderie among those who wear their badges.

He also invoked Jesus’ commandment of love. The love and unity expressed in Smyth County last week are the same ones needed to get to heaven, Sheets said.

As senseless and tragic as Reedy’s murder was, Sheets said, “It was not in vain.” He claimed that it would change lives for the better and enrich God’s kingdom. He called Reedy “a true public servant and hero to humanity.”

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

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

Miyares recalled a conversation with Billy Chandler, 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 police officers regularly face the unspeakable and are tested every day. He thanked officers from across the Commonwealth and beyond who gathered for the funeral.

Recalling a recent trip to Normandy, France, Miyares said Reedy possessed the same spirit as the Bedford Boys who died storming the beaches on D-Day.

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

“We do this too often,” Sears said, pointing out that they have been attending funerals as part of their official duties since their first year in office.

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

Addressing police officers, Sears said, “I ask you to continue to serve us. Continue to help us.” There is no one who comes when people call for help. “We need you. You are important to us. We see you,” she said.

She also quoted the Christian Bible and told the officers: “You make the darkness tremble.”

Sears said she recently received a challenge coin that featured a Bible passage. While some say government and religion should not be linked, Sears said she will add a Bible passage 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 said Reedy had experienced a lot in his 28 years, being a farmer, racer, bull rider, truck driver, mechanic and much more. “He was driven to do things,” Womack said.

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

Before a private funeral, the sheriff’s office held a final visit with Reedy, who wore the service number 360. The sheriff’s office plans to eliminate that number.