Smyth County bridge named for slain deputy
Virginia Gov. Glen Younkin signed a bill naming a Smyth County bridge in honor of Deputy Hunter D. Reedy. In a packed room at the Smyth County Sheriff's Office, Younkin said he hoped it would serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifice made.
'Deputy Reedy went to work to serve people in Smyth County, and he didn't come home,' Youngkin said. 'And it is so important that we stop for a minute and not only recognize the heroic work of our law enforcement personnel all over the Commonwealth but also their families.'
The bridge, along State Route 11, or Adwolf Road, crosses over Interstate 81. The location wasn't randomly chosen. It's a special road, says Reedy's widow Bettina.
'This is a bridge that leads to the farm where we got married,' Bettina said. '(It leads to) where he was raised. It is a huge connection for us. And so for it to have that bridge. It is an honor.'
Bettina and the couple's three children along with several other family members and dignitaries from across the Commonwealth were at Monday's ceremony, including Del. Israel O'Quinn and Attorney General Jason Miyares.
Miyares said the ceremony was not just about Reedy's death, but his life.
'The impact to this community when we lost one of our heroes and not just honoring not just how he died, but how he lived every day protecting his fellow Virginian,' Miyares said.
Smyth County Sheriff Chip Shuler called these past ten months a new normal for Smyth County- the time after 'evil came to their community.'
'We'll never be the same. Huge hole left in everybody's heart, plus our ranks,' Shuler said. 'So, yeah, we just try to go one day at a time. And we're moving forward. We're taking care of business like we're supposed to do.'
'One day at a time' is also how Bettina describes life, but through the sadness, she says she's still blessed with support from the governor and the community.
'Nobody's forgotten. We still have people with us and an outpouring of support, still,' she said.
Shuler told News Channel 11 he's not exactly sure when the sign will be put on the bridge, but he says at that time, there will be another ceremony.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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