A tribute to fallen VSP Trooper Lucas Dowell takes flight

One of the new Kodiak aircraft put into service by the Virginia State Police will carry a permanent tail number to add to the many tributes established for Smyth County native and VSP Trooper Lucas Dowell.

The code for the craft will feature Dowell’s badge number 876 as part of its identification located on the tail wing as a remembrance of the 28-year-old.

Dowell was fatally wounded at residence in Cumberland County in 2019 while serving a search warrant–cutting short the Chilhowie graduate’s 5-year career with the patrol. Family and friends recently gathered at the Mountain Empire Airport in Rural Retreat to receive a tour of the aircraft that will be based in Lynchburg.

(IMAGE: Used with permission / Property of Virginia State Police)