HAMPTON, Va. -- On Monday, fellow officers joined Trooper Chad Dermyer's friends and family at Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton to pay their last respects during a visitation.
Dermyer was shot and killed in the line of duty Thursday after approaching a man during a training exercise at the bus station. The shooting suspect, James Brown III, was then shot and killed by troopers nearby.
Virginia State Police trooper Chad Dermyer
Friends and colleagues remember Dermyer as a charismatic and dedicated State Trooper that cared deeply about the community and his job.
"Always smiling, he had that inner light and that glow and he was just a genuinely nice individual,” said Newport News Assistant Police Chief Joseph Moore.
Before his time with VSP, Dermyer was with the Newport News Police Department from 2003-2007. He also served with the Jackson Michigan Police Department and had been a decorated Marine.
Trooper Chad Dermyer's VSP cruiser
Some officers came from other states in a show of respect.
"It hits home knowing that he had two children and his wife I have the same. I have two kids at home and a wife and you know when you go to work you don't know if it will be your last or not," said one officer.
Outside the church, people laid flowers and cards on the fallen trooper's car.
Dermyer will be laid to rest Tuesday at Liberty Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Additionally, a private graveside burial will take place after the service in Gloucester County, where Dermyer and his family lived.
Funeral -- Tuesday
11 a.m.
Liberty Baptist Church
1021 Big Bethel Road
Hampton, Va. 23661
Additionally, a private graveside burial will take place after the service in Gloucester County.
Governor Terry McAuliffe ordered flags at the state Capitol in Richmond and Gloucester County lowered to half staff Tuesday to honor Dermyer.
How to Help
The Virginia State Police Association is accepting donations for the Dermyer family. Checks should be addressed to VSPA Emergency Relief Fund and with Trooper Dermyer in the “memo” line. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the VSPA at 6944 Forest Hill Avenue in Richmond, Virginia 23225. (While a GoFundMe account has also been created, officials pointed out that the crowdfunding website takes a portion of proceeds generated. By donating to the VSPA, all of your donation will go to the family.)
Fundraiser Thursday
Additionally, a Central Virginia state trooper has organized a fundraiser for trooper Dermyer’s family.
The event will take place at the Riverbound Cafe at 8005 Creighton Parkway in Mechanicsville on Thursday, April 7 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (The restaurant is located in the Kroger shopping center off Mechanicsville Turnpike.)
The cafe will donate 15-20 percent of all sales to Trooper Dermyer's family. Additionally, a donation box out will be available for folks who would like to drop by to make a contribution.
"Bring your family, neighbors, and random people on the street and help us pack the tables to help support this family," a Facebook post reads.
