1,000 people show support for Trooper Chapman

February 22, 2008 | Virginia News

Joanie Russell didn’t leave the Bristol hospital for days after her son, Virginia State Trooper Kris Chapman, was critically injured Feb. 1. Saturday, however, she was in public adding her voice to those of other mothers fighting drunk driving with a fervor fueled by personal experience.

By STEPHANIE PORTER-NICHOLS/Staff
Smyth County News

The 30-year-old Chapman was sitting in his cruiser after writing a traffic ticket on the shoulder of Interstate 81 near Seven Mile Ford just before 11 p.m. when a Ford F-150 pickup rammed his car before the trooper had secured his seat belt, police said. At the time, the Smyth County native’s injuries were feared to be life-threatening. He was transported by Med-Flight to Bristol Regional Medical Center.

Police allege the pickup driver was intoxicated. They charged Barry Wayne Marshall II, 32, of Abingdon with driving under the influence. Last Thursday, a Smyth County General District Court judge placed Marshall under house arrest.

Saturday, fellow troopers and other volunteers organized a barbecue benefit dinner to help Chapman and his family, who live in Chilhowie, with their expenses.

Joanie and her husband, Larry Russell, who is Chapman’s stepfather, attended the event at the Marion Lifesaving Crew building accepting an outpouring of compassion and using the occasion to promote safe and sober driving.

They sported T-shirts honoring Chapman and also bringing attention to drunk driving and Virginia’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and change lanes if possible when passing a roadside car.

Joanie urged people “to think on the highway” and to take into account that their actions affect many other people. She was adamant that people who choose to drink should be responsible and designate a driver. If there’s no sober driver available, she said bluntly, “sleep it off.”

Larry’s voice briefly trailed off as he tried to sum up the magnitude of what’s happened to their family, “You think about something happening to your children, but then when it does…. I think about Kris, those two babies and his wife. Their whole life has changed.”

The community’s expression of support uplifted Joanie and Larry. Looking at the line of people waiting for their barbecue trays, Larry said, “It shows there’s a lot of love and faith in this world.” In between accepting hugs and hands squeezing their shoulders, the couple asked that people continue to pray for Chapman. “He’s got a long way to go,” said Larry. However, noting the young trooper’s involvement with his family and church, Larry, a longtime football coach and educator, said, “Kris is a strong young man. He’s a fighter.”

Joanie also encouraged people to donate blood and plasma.

Their call was echoed by troopers present at the gathering.

Trooper Rex Carter, a VSP chaplain, noted that his daughter had benefited from blood donations at birth. He and Sgt. Michael Conroy reiterated, “You can help save a life.”

Dexter Tenney, Johnston Memorial Hospital’s Blood Bank Donor Services supervisor, confirmed Saturday evening that dozens of people had heeded the call. During a special blood drive set up during the benefit, more than 40 units were collected.

On Monday, Carter reported that the benefit had exceeded organizers’ goal of $4,800. Though he didn’t have final figures, the trooper said about 1,000 people attended the dinner.

“It’s really amazing to see the community and local businesses help somebody who’s a public servant,” said the VSP chaplain.

Noting that law enforcement is a profession that often doesn’t produce much gratitude or recognition, Carter believed the benefit turnout was the community “saying thanks to Kris and for the job troopers do.”

He relayed that Trooper Jeff Jones, another event organizer, had talked with Kris after the benefit and that he was pleased and touched.

Carter once again restated the family and troopers’ emphasis on smart and sober driving. “It’s unfortunate that such tragedies occur,” he said, “but, with the public’s help, we can cut them down.”

His final message returned to Chapman. Carter acknowledged that the healing process will take time, but added, “Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”

In the meantime, the community continues to strive to do its part.

More benefits are planned to help the family, including a car wash at Family Ford in Marion and the Abingdon Pizza Hut.

Saturday afternoon, Larry Russell concluded, “There’s still love in this world.”

More Ways to Help

• The Abingdon Pizza Hut at Exit 17 is holding a $10 benefit buffet on March 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. Twenty-five percent of proceeds will go to the relief fund.

• Family Ford in Marion will host a benefit car wash on March 8 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

• A benefit gospel singing for Virginia State Trooper Kris Chapman, the officer who was critically injured on Feb. 1 on Interstate 81 in Smyth County, will be held on Sunday, March 9, beginning at 3 p.m. at Chilhowie High School. Anyone interested in participating should contact Pam DeBord at 496-3215 or Leann Atwell at 646-3474. Cake auctions will also be held. Anyone who would like to donate baked items should call one of the above numbers. All proceeds will go to Chapman’s relief fund.

• Contributions may be made directly to the fund:
  Trooper Kris Chapman Relief Fund
  Bank of Marion Chilhowie Branch
  P.O. Box 1560
  Chilhowie, VA 24319
  Phone 276-646-3900