APPOMATTOX COUNTY, VA – A fundraiser launched to support the family of an Appomattox County sheriff's deputy killed in the line of duty on Thursday has already exceeded its goal.
According to WFXR and others, Appomattox County Sheriff's Deputy Burlie Duvall, 33, of Concord, was one of two deputies traveling home from the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy when they stopped to help at the scene of a crash on Route 460 in Campbell County. According to reports, the deputies were parked in the two left lanes with their emergency equipment activated when a tractor-trailer swerved to avoid the cars and hit Duvall, killing the deputy and causing another chain-reaction crash that injured an additional seven people.
A fundraiser launched to help the Duvall family set a goal of $35,000. As of Monday morning, it had already reached nearly $39,000 through many dozens of donations, mostly around $100 at a time.
The GoFundMe page reads, "His family is facing a future they never imagined without him. While no amount of money can fill the heartbreaking loss, every donation will help ease the financial burden and provide stability for his wife and children as they navigate this unimaginable time."
Fellow Appomattox County deputies have also created a shirt and hoodie design to raise money for the Duvall family.
According to an obituary posted by the Appomattox Sheriff's Department, Duvall was the father of three children and one of nine siblings. Duvall, "dedicated his life to protecting this community, and he gave that life while serving others," the sheriff's office wrote. "His courage, selflessness, and commitment to duty will never be forgotten.
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police recommends officers shroud their badges in Duvall's memory until his funeral on August 15.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across Virginia Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.