[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 198 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1231-E1232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MICHAEL CHANDLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2021

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, the Commonwealth of Virginia mourns the 
loss of Officer Michael Chandler of the Big Stone Gap Police 
Department. Officer Chandler was killed in the line of duty on November 
13, 2021, at the age of 29. Though he was taken too soon, he lived a 
selfless life of service and commitment to the rigorous calling of law 
enforcement.
  Officer Chandler was a native of Big Stone Gap. As a student at 
Powell Valley High School, he played football and scored the last 
touchdown in the school's history before it subsequently merged into 
Union High School. He graduated in 2011 and began service in 2015 with 
the Big Stone Gap Fire Department. In 2019, Officer Chandler joined the 
Big Stone Gap Police Department. He was a distinguished public servant 
who put his life on the line every day as he courageously served, 
protected, and defended those around him. While on duty on his 29th 
birthday, he gave the ultimate sacrifice. Officer Chandler was shot 
while performing a wellness check in Wise County. He was initially 
transported to Norton Community Hospital before being flown

[[Page E1232]]

to Johnson City Medical Center, where he passed away.
  Officer Chandler was a loving father, husband, son, brother, and 
friend. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Wayne Chandler, 
and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Natasha Chandler; his 
daughter, Kamryn Elizabeth Chandler; his mother, Rebecca Ann Tipton, 
and her husband Eddie; his brothers, Chris Chandler, David Chandler, 
and his wife Kisha, and Tyler Chandler; his sister, Amanda Herron, and 
her husband Troy; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other 
close relatives and friends.
  The death of Officer Chandler is a grievous loss to the Commonwealth 
of Virginia, Wise County, and the Town of Big Stone Gap. I mourn his 
loss, yet I am grateful that he and the other men and women of law 
enforcement step forward to protect us knowing full well the risks they 
face. His bravery and selfless service will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________