Gov. Abigail Spanberger has ordered flags across the Commonwealth to be flown at half-staff on Friday, Aug. 14, in honor of Appomattox County Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III, who was killed Aug. 6 while helping at the scene of a multi-vehicle crash.
Governor's proclamation and schedule
The proclamation directs that flags be lowered at sunrise Friday and remain at half-staff until sunset as an official mark of mourning. The order follows a statement from Spanberger that highlighted Duvall’s service and his devotion to family.
"Deputy Duvall was a loving father and husband, a brave public servant, and a beloved member of his community. He dedicated his career to serving others and protecting those around him — living a life defined by an unwavering devotion to his family," Spanberger said.
The governor’s statement also recounted the moments before Duvall’s death: while returning from the academy, he and a fellow deputy came upon the crash and stopped to assist. Duvall called his wife to say he would be late because he was helping, then was struck by a vehicle and killed in the line of duty.
Local and statewide response
Appomattox County officials and colleagues of the sheriff’s office have publicly remembered Duvall for his dedication to the community and for the care he showed co-workers. The governor’s proclamation noted that fellow deputies and former colleagues have continued to express their sorrow and support for Duvall’s family.
Duvall leaves behind a wife and three children. The flag order states that the entire Commonwealth recognizes his bravery, commitment and sacrifice.
- What: Flags at half-staff in memory of Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III
- When: Sunrise to sunset, Friday, Aug. 14
- Where: All state buildings and agencies across Virginia
What half-staff signifies
Lowering flags to half-staff is a formal gesture used by government leaders to mark the death of public servants, national tragedies or other events of solemn significance. For residents who see flags lowered Friday, the gesture is intended to acknowledge the loss to the law enforcement community and the Commonwealth at large.
Details from the incident
State and local officials have described the incident as occurring Aug. 6, when Duvall and a fellow deputy encountered a multi-vehicle crash while Duvall was returning home from the academy. According to the governor’s release, Duvall stopped to assist those involved and was struck by a vehicle during those efforts.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deputy | Burlie W. Duvall III |
| Location | Appomattox County |
| Date of incident | Aug. 6 |
| Flag order | Sunrise to sunset, Aug. 14 |
Support and next steps
In the days following Duvall’s death, members of the sheriff’s office and the Appomattox community have offered condolences and support to the family. It is customary in such cases for local agencies to coordinate memorial services and to provide resources for the bereaved family, though the governor’s announcement did not list specific plans for a public memorial.
Residents who wish to express sympathy or pay respects are advised to follow official Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office channels for information on vigils or services. Law enforcement agencies statewide often establish funds or other mechanisms to assist families of deputies killed in the line of duty; any official relief efforts or details on memorial arrangements are typically shared by the sheriff’s office or county authorities.
The lowering of flags Friday serves as a statewide acknowledgment of the risks law enforcement officers face when responding to emergencies. It also stands as an official recognition of Duvall’s actions the night he stopped to help others — actions described by the governor as emblematic of his dedication to duty and family.
Further reporting will follow if Appomattox County or state officials release additional information about the crash, any ongoing investigations, or planned memorial events.
