Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief Hudson was shot and killed outside of the Wise County Courthouse while attempting to arrest a man who had been harassing a judge. The man had been charged with carrying a concealed weapon and had taken exception to the court proceedings.
After the court adjourned the man began following and harassing the judges, who in turn requested that Chief Hudson arrest him. During the ensuing struggle the man's 16-year-old son approached the two and shot Chief Hudson in the neck with a shotgun, killing him instantly.
The man and his son were both arrested at the scene.
Rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your memory, service and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) August 8th, 2020
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BO-US-VA-F194D793- Stewardship
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Hudson served with the Toms Creek Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Coeburn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Hudson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police R. D. Hudson is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. R. D. Hudson's cause is highlighted.
How R. D. Hudson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. R. D. Hudson is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.