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Smyth County honors Deputy David Fry with Medal of Valor for March intervention
Summary
Smyth County supervisors presented Deputy David Fry a Medal of Valor for his actions during an officer‑involved shooting in March 2025, crediting his intervention with saving lives. The board and presenters praised Fry’s bravery and acknowledged cooperating agencies on scene.
Deputy David Fry received the Smyth County Medal of Valor on Nov. 13 for his actions during an officer‑involved shooting on March 25, 2025.
A presenter introduced by the sheriff described Fry’s response as a case of “acting heroically and beyond the call [of] duty at imminent risk of death and serious bodily injury to himself in order to preserve human life,” and presented the medal before the Board of Supervisors.
The presenter thanked county dispatch, Townes Hall Police Department, Joe Howley Police Department and Smyth County Rescue for their rapid response and described bonds between first responders that helped during the incident. Sheriff Schuler was noted as having asked the presenter to act in his stead because he was called away to Richmond.
The Board offered formal recognition during its presentations section and acknowledged the risks facing law enforcement officers and the importance of training and interagency coordination.
The board did not take additional action on the incident beyond the honor and public acknowledgement; no disciplinary or investigative outcomes were discussed at the meeting.
