Buena Vista retired assistant police chief honored with escort house

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – It’s onerous to say goodbye when it doesn’t really feel prefer it’s time but.

“It’s heartbreaking, I actually haven’t processed it but,” mentioned Sgt. John Snider with the Buena Vista Police Division.

Because the solar set within the metropolis of Buena Vista Monday, Jay Patterson got here again house, a spot, the place he lived to serve.

“He was the go-to-guy, for no matter you had, any drawback, he was who you referred to as, when you had a nasty day, even after he retired, that’s who home I’d go to if I had an issue,” mentioned Snider.

“He was at all times there for us. Jay had 20 one thing years expertise and he labored nights with us, when he didn’t need to,” mentioned Sgt. Alan Buzzard with BVPD.

Snider and Buzzard have each recognized Patterson their complete lives. Buzzard says his dad skilled Patterson on the PD and Snider is aware of the complete Patterson household. They credit score him as an ideal chief, buddy, and a person who might by no means be forgotten, particularly for his favourite sneakers.

“We’d get an pressing name and he can be in some half type of a uniform. A police prime, a pair of shorts, and at all times moccasins. He wore moccasins on a regular basis,” mentioned Snider.

Jay’s concern of snakes is one other story that comes prime of thoughts.

“I come up on a quite giant black snack, I’m not afraid of snakes and Jay was on his 4 wheeler, and I’ll by no means determine this one out, he bought off his 4 wheeler and began working and right here I’m chasing him with this black snake. He had a number of selection phrases for me,” recalled Buzzard.

A lot of the phrases Jay shared had been phrases of encouragement. His profession in policing began as a dispatcher in 1982. He labored his method as much as an officer, investigator, Sergeant, Lieutenant and eventually Assistant Chief.

By means of tears, hugs and footage, his neighborhood is mourning, however even when it wasn’t time, Jay Patterson’s legacy right here won’t ever be misplaced.

“He’s a legend and legends by no means die,” mentioned Snider.

“He’s the one who bought me the place I’m at and I simply need to make him comfortable and I, I hope I did,” mentioned Buzzard.

As of now, no plans have been introduced for Patterson’s funeral.

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