Carey’s career in law enforcement spanned more than 40 years. He was with the Brodnax Police Department for over 20 years, serving citizens in Mecklenburg and Brunswick as police chief for the town straddling both counties. A resident of Wylliesburg, Carey was also an active member of the Charlotte County Rescue Squad and Bacon District Fire Department. He served for eight years on the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors and ran for sheriff in Charlotte County. According to SOVANOW, Carey - “Beloved in the communities in which he worked and lived, Joe never met a stranger and quickly befriended anyone with whom he crossed paths,” reads the fallen officer’s obituary. Those words have been affirmed by the outpouring of support across the area since his death.
Governor Youngkin ordered U.S. & Virginia flags to half-staff December 22, 2022 to honor Brodnax County Police Chief Joseph Edward Carey, Sr.
