The Shadow
Honoring our Police Officers
National Police Week takes place from Sunday, May 11 to Saturday, May 17.
This is when Americans honor our law enforcement officers.
It is estimated that there are more than 800,000 law enforcement professionals serving American communities.
These professionals are responsible for policing dangerous criminal behavior and protecting innocent civilians.
Additionally, law enforcement officers are diligent in their efforts to create relationships in their respective communities.
It is common to see officers at local community fairs, parades, etc. And I like to see them there because they are protecting us all.
Virginia’s Ninth District is filled with dedicated officials who work tirelessly to protect and defend our communities.
Given the sheer size of the District, which is bigger than the State of New Jersey, there are dozens of law enforcement departments that protect our towns, cities and counties.
These departments share and maintain extensive and elaborate partnerships with one another.
Some of these partnerships include the Virginia State Police.
Virginia’s correctional officers at state prisons and the federal USP Lee facility are responsible for oversight and management of convicted dangerous individuals.
Those who field dispatch calls for law enforcement departments also play a critical role in community safety.
They receive emergency calls and help facilitate action by first responders.
These situations can be very stressful. Accordingly, dispatchers go through significant training.
The Ninth District is also home to various groups and academies that prepare aspiring officials for a career in law enforcement.
The Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy and New River Criminal Justice Academy are two such agencies. They help educate recruits on best practices and procedures and create a pipeline of law enforcement talent.
Some of this talent is showcased in our schools through school resource officers. These officers help preserve safe education environments for public school students.
The police department at Virginia Tech offers free programs to students to learn about law enforcement activities.
Taken together, Ninth District law enforcement agencies account for the training of hundreds of dedicated law enforcement and public safety professionals.
These officers account for numerous stories that illustrate heroism, commitment to duty and selflessness.
Unfortunately, space restricts my ability to highlight each and every story. But here are just a few inspiring ones.
As Hurricane Helene swept through the region, Craig County Sheriff’s Deputy Gregory May attempted to execute a daring rescue mission.
During the mission, Deputy May was struck by flying debris and sustained a concussion, a broken jaw, and a severe laceration under his neck.
Another recent story involves Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Brandon Hall, who acted decisively during a carbon monoxide incident.
Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office credits Hall with saving the lives of two adults and a child.
This March, two deputies in Carroll County were fired on by a wanted gunman. The deputies were transported to hospitals but thankfully they survived.
A recent incident involving alleged MS-13 members at Wallens Ridge State Prison left five correctional officers seriously wounded.
The above situations not only underscore the immense dangers these officials face, but the fortitude and bravery that define their service.
Last August, Smyth County Sheriff’s Deputy Hunter Reedy was assisting Marion Police officers respond to a traffic stop.
Suddenly, the driver pulled out a gun and fired shots at the officers.
Deputy Reedy was struck by the gunfire and killed. His partner, Deputy Michael Fedorchuk, was wounded.
Reedy was 27. He leaves behind his wife, Bettina, their three kids and wonderful memories.
We grieve their painful loss. We pray for their family’s health and safety as they continue with their lives.
This is a solemn reminder that the families of law enforcement officials also endure immense tragedy and sacrifice.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our active serving officers and our fallen law enforcement officials’ families.
Unfortunately, from the very first months I was in elected office until this year, officers in the Ninth District have been injured or slain by criminal elements.
This is one reason why I honor our police officers. And I thank them for doing their dangerous service.
Bettina Reedy is bringing her children to DC for National Police Week. They will pay tribute to their father.
And like them, I will say a prayer and honor a hero from Southwest Virginia.
If you have questions, concerns, or comments, feel free to contact my office. You can call my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit my website at www.morgangriffith.house.gov. Also on my website is the latest material from my office, including information on votes recently taken on the floor of the House of Representatives.
