Senator Hackworth Offers Official Statement of Support for Family of Slain Big Stone Gap Officer Michael Chandler

Richlands, VA – Today, Senator Travis Hackworth provided the following statement of support for the family of fallen Big Stone Gap Police Officer Michael Chandler:

“Today, we mourn together for a true hero who sacrificed his last breath serving our families and the Big Stone Gap community. As Officer Chandler began his 29th birthday by putting on his badge, he ended it when a cowardly probation violator took his life. Officer Chandler exemplifies public service, bravery, and the essence of sacrifice for the common good. To his family, we mourn with you, and we want you to know that your husband, son, and father's sacrifice is deeply respected and appreciated by all of us. While you have lost a family member, you have gained the love, commitment, and extension of a broad and diverse family of citizens from across this region. We are here for you in this troubled time, just as Officer Chandler was here for us during his time of service for our communities.

While words can never reflect the depths of this man's sacrifice, the magnitude of this loss, nor the depravity of the act that took him from us - I cannot express deeply enough how much we love your family and how greatly we share in your mourning today. While time may never heal the wounds of this tremendous loss, may we all ensure that time never covers or fades the record of heroic commitment to Virginia as that given until the very final breath of Officer Michael Chandler. His life inspires us all to serve more, love deeper, and live bolder for the values and people that he wore the badge to defend and protect every day.”