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Marion's VFW honors law enforcement Officers of the Year
The Marion VFW Post 4667 Officers of the Year are Master Trooper Rex Carter, Saltville Police Chief Bryan Lynch, Sgt. Landon Smith, Sgt. Ben Dillow, and Chilhowie’s Deputy Chief Aaron Smith.
Marion Police Sgt. Ben Dillow and Chief Kevin Testerman.
Chilhowie Police Chief Andrew Moss and Deputy Chief Aaron Smith.
Smyth County Sheriff's Office Captain Bill Eller and Sgt. Landon Smith.
Master Trooper Rex Carter and a Virginia State Police sergeant.
Saltville Police Chief Bryan Lynch and Assistant Chief Steven McVey.
A Marion police officer who continued to serve others when his own needs were serious was one of the Smyth County Officer of the Year honorees.
Last Thursday evening, Marion VFW Post 4667 held its annual recognition of law enforcement officers from agencies serving in Smyth County for their exemplary performance.
The Marion Police Department nominated Sgt. Ben Dillow.
Chief Kevin Testerman said he wanted to recognize the sergeant of two years for “his overall performance as an officer not only at work but also his personal life.”
Testerman explained that when Hurricane Helene struck Southwest Virginia in 2024, Dillow’s house was basically destroyed. He had to arrange for another place to live “for a good little bit while his house was repaired.”
The Chief said, “I’m sure there were days that he could have stayed and worked on his personal issues at hand but instead came and helped others in need.”
Testerman continued, “He is a man of faith and leads his decision making on what is lawful and morally right. He comes to work with a selfless attitude, and he does not realize the positive influence that he has on others around him.”
During the promotion assessment process, Testerman said, Dillow “shined like a new penny with his answers and stood out among others…. He is admired by all those that work with him.”
Dillow began his law enforcement career in 2018, and he has worked with the Marion Police Department since 2018.
Chilhowie’s Deputy Chief Aaron Smith was also recognized as an Officer of the Year.
His nomination celebrated his growth as a leader, which was described as “truly phenomenal.”
The CPD said, Smith’s “dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to upholding the mission and values of the Chilhowie Police Department… earned him this well-deserved recognition.”
Smith was also described as hardworking and a devoted leader.
Master Trooper Rex Carter of Virginia State Police Area 26 in Wytheville earned the VFW’s Trooper of the Year Award.
The VSP said he was “recognized for his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to service…. Master Trooper Carter exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose and lead with compassion. His commitment to protecting others, supporting his fellow troopers, and strengthening the communities we serve reflects the core values of Virginia State Police.”
Carter serves as a Field Training Officer, a member of VSP’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Drug Recognition Expert, Firearms Instructor, and Chaplain.
The VSP observed, “Master Trooper Carter continues to embody selfless leadership and purposeful action in every role he serves.”
The Deputy Sheriff of the Year award went to Sgt. Landon Smith.
Sheriff Chip Shuler reflected that he nominated Smith for multiple reasons.
He first noted that Smith is a supervisor who “will never ask someone to do a task he would not do himself; he is the ‘follow me’ leader.”
The Sheriff also praised Smith for his willingness to “tackle any assignment.” He particularly noted Smith’s willingness “to take over the security of our Mount Rogers Mental Health Crisis Center which had previously been operated by a private vendor. Landon took this project from the ground and has done a fantastic job working with our Mental Health providers and surrounding law enforcement agencies.”
Of all the reasons, he recognized Smith, Shuler said, “Last and most important, I recognize Landon’s commitment to the spouses and families of the three Deputies we lost in the past year and a half. Landon checks on the wives of these men often to make sure they are not in need of something, and, if they are, he takes care of it. This has been a blessing to me, knowing that I have someone that devoted.”
Shuler extended his gratitude to “Marion VFW Post 4667 for recognizing our law enforcement in Smyth County with this award. I thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice!”
From the Saltville Police Department, Chief Bryan Lynch was named the Officer of the Year.
Bryan Lynch took the helm of the SPD on Feb. 11, 2025. In a year’s time, he transformed the agency.
To the town council earlier this year, Lynch said, “Basically, we rebuilt a police department in 10 months.” While it was not easy, the chief said, “we did it.”
Speaking to the council, Lynch noted that he started off with four people but only two were working full time and one was in the criminal justice academy. Still, he said, the SPD provided 24/7 service. To become fully staffed, the chief said, it could have taken 18 months to two years, but they did it in 10 months.
At full staff, the SPD covers the town with six employees – chief, assistant chief, and four officers. Lynch has worked to create stability in the SPD and improve community relations.
Lynch also serves as the Saltville Volunteer Fire Department’s chief.
This year, National Police Week is celebrated May 10-16. National Police Week, established in 1962, was established as a time for the nation to honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of law enforcement officers.
Officials gather to celebrate the Chilhowie Bluegrass JAM-Boree being recognized as an Affiliate Venue by The Crooked Road.
Officials gather to celebrate the Chilhowie Bluegrass JAM-Boree being recognized as an Affiliate Venue by The Crooked Road.
Smyth pursuit suspect faces charges 3 attempted capital murder charges among others
During a Sunday night pursuit, a suspect struck Smyth County deputies’ vehicles and shot toward law enforcement.
The suspect, a fugitive from West Virginia, was arrested following the incident.
According to a Smyth County Sheriff’s Office news release, the situation began about 7:30 p.m. when deputies answered a call to Flat Ridge Road in Sugar Grove about a stolen vehicle. The complainant reported that a 2019 red Nissan Sentra had been stolen. Deputies completed a stolen vehicle report and issued a Be-On-the-Lookout (BOL) alert for the vehicle.
At approximately 8:49 p.m., the release said a Smyth County deputy located the stolen vehicle in Marion. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver refused to stop, leading to a pursuit.
During the pursuit, the release said the suspect struck deputies’ vehicles and fired two shots from a handgun out of the vehicle window toward law enforcement officers.
Following a lengthy pursuit, the release said that deputies were able to successfully stop the vehicle and take the driver into custody. The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Christopher Lee Sichette of Pineville, West Virginia. The firearm involved in the incident was recovered from the vehicle.
Sichette was arrested and charged with the following offenses: Attempted Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer (3 counts); Felony Eluding; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony; Reckless Handling of a Firearm; Shooting a Firearm from a Vehicle; Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle; and Reckless Driving.
Authorities also confirmed that Sichette is a fugitive from justice from West Virginia. He is currently being held without bond at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon.
The sheriff’s office said that no officers were injured during the incident. Sichette was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries and was then released into law enforcement’s custody.
The release also said that this remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
An arraignment in Smyth County General District Court was set for May 12.
The Smyth County Sheriff’s Office extended its appreciation to the Marion Police Department, the Virginia State Police, the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Smyth County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for their assistance during this incident.
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Marion council acts to help Hayes attend meetings electronically
Debra Hayes
As she’s able, the recuperating councilmember Debra Hayes can now take part in Marion Town Council meetings.
Last week, the council OK’d an ordinance that will allow Hayes, or when needed any council member, to take part in the meetings electronically.
The ordinance allows council members with a medical disability that prevents their physical presence or who are caring for a family member with a disability to attend electronically regularly.
There is a limit on electronic attendance for those who want to attend electronically due to a personal reason. In that case, they may attend remotely “more than two meetings per calendar year or 25 percent of the meetings held per calendar year rounded up to the next whole number, whichever is greater.”
The council also adopted an ordinance that will allow members to attend remotely during a Declared State of Emergency.
The council had set a budget of $2,000 to cover the needs for electronic meetings. However, Zoning Administrator Todd Long said the cost would likely come in at about $500. He said town staff had been able to adapt equipment being used to livestream council meetings.
Fundraisers for Hayes
Hayes, a retired educator, coach, and Emory & Henry Hall of Fame athlete, fell on ice on Jan. 30 and injured her spine.
Now, her insurance is reaching its limits and will no longer cover her rehabilitation. However, those close to Hayes say she needs full-time assistance to walk and for daily care.
There is a GoFundMe account for Hayes and this Saturday, May 16, Rich Valley Presbyterian Church, 3811 Valley Road, is holding a dinner fundraiser to help Hayes continue her rehab and make necessary home modifications. The meal will feature pork loin, slow, baked beans, chips, dessert, and a drink. The meals may be eaten on site or carried out.
Individuals who plan to attend are asked to call Hal Campbell at 276-780-3546, Diane Hayes at 276-780-3950, Greg Pratt at 276-780-5612, or Eileen Coleman at 270-772-1115.
For individuals who can’t attend, the Go Fund Me account is for Debra Ann Hayes.
