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Citizens and firefighters in Charlotte County are mourning the life of a 36-year-old Drakes Branch man that died following an automobile crash on Friday, Oct. 15.

Jarrett L. Tharpe was a member of the Drakes Branch Fire and Rescue Department and the Charlotte Courthouse Volunteer Fire Department.

“Jarrett worked hard to gain respect on the department which he had succeeded and became one that we depended on the most,” Drakes Branch Fire and Rescue Chief Kenny Tharpe said.

“As a Chief, you realize your people are the most important asset. Nice buildings and trucks mean nothing without volunteers to put in them.”

According to Virginia State Police (VSP), Tharpe lost his life following a single-vehicle crash on Kings Highway at the Route 15 North exit ramp when he failed to make the exit ramp and ran off the road and struck a tree.

“I want to thank Keysville Volunteer Fire Department, Meherrin Fire and Rescue, Charlotte County Rescue, and Law Enforcement for everything they did last night,” Tharpe said. “I know they worked hard to do everything they could as they are top-notch folks. Unfortunately, we lost a top-notch person.”

Charlotte Courthouse Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chris Russell said Tharpe was very dependable on the fire ground.

“Jarrett had been with us for the last couple of years running calls for both departments,” Russell said. “He had his fire training, and I could rely on him to get the job done quickly and safely. His full-time job was in Buckingham, which took a lot of his time, but if he was available, he was going to show up to the call ready to work.”