Holly MatkinBrodnax, VA – Brodnax Police Department (BPD) Chief Joseph “Joe” Carey died in the line of duty on Dec. 16 after being hit by a pickup truck while he was removing the remains of an animal that had been hit on the highway.
The fatal collision occurred in the 200-block of Piney Pond Road/Route 58, the Virginia State Police (VSP) said in a press release later that night.
Chief Carey, 66, pulled his vehicle over to the right side of the roadway to remove the remains of an animal that had been hit.
His lights were activated at the time, according to the VSP.
“As Carey was returning to the side of the highway, an eastbound Ford F-150 pickup was unable to avoid striking the chief,” the VSP said.
The driver of the pickup truck was not injured in the crash.
Chief Cary was rushed to Community Memorial Hospital-VCU Health in South Hill, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The VSP said alcohol was not a factor in the deadly collision.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Chief Carey devoted more than 40 years of his life to his law enforcement career, according to his obituary.
He was also an active member of the Bacon District Fire Department, the Charlotte County Rescue Squad, and had served eight years on the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors.
“This evening the Town of Brodnax lost a dedicated member of our community,” Brodnax Mayor Don Duggar said in a statement. “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.”
Chief Carey worked for the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for 26 years before retiring and joining the BPD, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
He also spent a period of time serving with the Chase City Police Department (CCPD), the agency said in a Facebook post.
“With great sadness we mourn the loss of a former co-worker, friend, and genuine person Joe Carey,” the CCPD said. “Chief Carey touched many lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and our law enforcement community during this tragic time.”
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin ordered flags be lowered to half-staff on Dec. 22 in Chief Carey’s honor, WWBT reported.
Chief Carey leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Beverly, as well as his two sons, two granddaughters, and his brother, according to his obituary.
He will be laid to rest on Dec. 22.
RIP. Virginia Chief of Police Joe Carey was killed when he was struck by an oncoming truck while trying to remove a dog from the roadway. He is survived by his wife, four sons, daughter, and grandchildren. #rip #hero #eow #ChiefofPoliceJoeCarey #BrodnaxPoliceDepartment pic.twitter.com/BJaH7gYp3U
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) December 18, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Chief Joe Carey of the Brodnax (VA) Police Department. On December 16, Chief Carey was struck by a vehicle and killed. @NLEOMF @TheIACP #LODD #HonorTheFallen #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/BTOoFFcmR8
— U. S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund (@USMarshalsFund) December 20, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of Brodnax Police Department Chief Joe Carey who was killed in the line of duty. May God grant him eternal rest. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/Z9x6H3eWyf
— NYPD Chaplains Unit (@NYPDchaplains) December 17, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Brodnax Police Department Chief Joseph “Joe” Carey, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
