January 2023 Blues Vol 39 No. 1

AROUND THE COUNTRY

AROUND THE COUNTRY BRODNAX, VA. Brodnax Chief of Police Joe Carey, was struck and killed by a vehicle as he was attempting to remove the remains of a dog from the roadway. In Mecklenburg, Brunswick and Charlotte counties and elsewhere, countless people are mourning the death of Brodnax Police Chief Joseph “Joe” Edward Carey Sr. after he was killed in the line of duty during a roadside incident around 7 p.m. Friday. Virginia State Police are investigating the pedestrian fatality, which happened as Carey was attempting to recover the remains of a dog that had been struck in the roadway. Carey had pulled off to the right side of the road in the 200 block of Piney Pond Road and U.S. 58; as he was returning to the side of the highway, an eastbound Ford F-150 pickup was unable to avoid a collision with Carey, according to State Police. Carey, 66, was transported to VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill where he died from his injuries. The lights of Carey’s police cruiser were activated as the vehicle was parked on the side of the highway. The adult male driver of the pickup truck was not injured. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation, according to Virginia State Police Sgt. Michelle Anaya. The incident caused all lanes of U.S. 58 to be shut down as first responders worked to clear the scene. Carey’s career in law enforcement spanned more than 40 years. He was with the Brodnax Police Department for over 20 years, serving citizens in Mecklenburg and Brunswick as police chief for the town straddling both counties. A resident of Wylliesburg, Carey was also an active member of the Charlotte County Rescue Squad and Bacon District Fire Department. He served for eight years on the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors and ran for sheriff in Charlotte County. “Beloved in the communities in which he worked and lived, Joe never met a stranger and quickly befriended anyone with whom he crossed paths,” reads the fallen officer’s obituary. Those words have been affirmed by the outpouring of support across the area since his death. Matthew Carey, Joe Carey’s son, expressed the family’s appreciation for the kindness shown to them in the wake of the chief’s death. “The family would like to thank everyone for yrs. CHIEF JOE CAREY the outpouring of calls, texts, visits and other expressions of support over the last few days. Though we haven’t been able to respond to everyone individually, know that we greatly appreciate all of the love and support during this difficult time. “Though his absence leaves a significant hole in our lives, we will forever be grateful for the life he lived,” Matthew told The Sun. Members of the community joined emergency responders and gathered in areas along the route on Monday evening as Carey’s casket was transported to Wood Funeral Service in Chase City. The South Hill Volunteer Fire Department suspended a large American flag from their ladder truck over the roadway as the procession that included dozens of law enforcement vehicles made its way through the town. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the Carey family and our law enforcement family and friends,” South Hill Fire Chief Michael Vaughan said on behalf of the department. “May he shine a light for us all to follow.” Carey’s police cruiser has sat parked for days in Brodnax, becoming a memorial to the fallen chief — covered with balloons, ribbons, flowers and other items placed by people in honor and remembrance of his life and service. Visitation services for Carey were held at the Wood Funeral Service, Chase City, Wednesday, December 21 and the funeral was held the following day at HEROISM AWARD TEXAS DPS LT. JAMES MORRIS the Mecklenburg County High School auditorium, in Baskerville. Carey resided in the Wylliesburg community of Charlotte County where he also operated a cattle farm. His influence was felt far and wide; in neighboring Halifax County, law enforcement officers expressed grief over his death, noting that Carey had made his presence felt days before his death in South Boston by showing up at WalMart to support a South Boston Police Department kids’ shopping event. Carey also visited the Halifax County dispatch center to pass out cupcakes and treats to the staff. “Had never met him before but he seemed like a really nice guy,” wrote one dispatcher, Samantha Lynn Vest, on social media. “Carried on a good conversation. Praying for his family and friends. Rest in Peace Chief Carey. “My heart is breaking for my blue line family,” Vest added. Joseph Edward Carey Sr. is survived by his wife of 40 years, three sons, two grandchildren, a brother, other family and many friends. In the wake of Chief Carey’s death, Brodnax Mayor Don Dugger made the following statement: “This evening the Town of Brodnax lost a dedicated member of our community. It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the tragic death of Police Chief Joe Carey to a traffic crash on Route 58. Highly regarded for his public safety professionalism and experience, Joe was a genuine friend to so many of us. He truly loved his job and worked hard to make a difference while protecting and serving our town “I ask that you keep his family and colleagues with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” 30 The BLUES The BLUES 31