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Virginia Sheriffs’ Association
The Voice of Virginia’s Sheriffs & Deputies

For the month of August, we are excited to introduce to you Wise County Sheriff E. Grant Kilgore. We asked him to give us insight into his career as well as what inspires him outside of law enforcement. When asked what new initiatives he plans to focus on, Sheriff Kilgore emphasized the significance of growing relationships within our communities.  This has always been important in law enforcement, but especially as a Sheriff’s Office.

If you’ve missed previous introductions of our Virginia Sheriffs, links to these posts may be found at the bottom of this page. We hope you will come to know and appreciate these individuals as much as we do! Our Sheriff introductions may also be found on our Facebook page, along with other interesting news items about our member sheriffs!

Get to Know Your Sheriffs – Sheriff E. Grant Kilgore – Wise County

  1. What new initiatives do you plan to focus on?

One of the initiatives that I find very significant is growing relationships within our communities.  This has always been important in law enforcement, but especially as a Sheriff’s Office.  We have many programs that I have had a privilege to be a part of to help continue and grow to cultivate these relationships. I hope that I can have a positive influence to make things better for our office and citizens.

  1. In light of various challenges, especially the continued challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, how can the sheriff’s office and law enforcement as a whole work to build trust among their communities?

It has been such a trying year due to the many unknowns surrounding COVID-19, especially the first few months.  The changing data and overload of information was very challenging.  Maintaining trust throughout these obstacles was and is important.  I think that communication in our message and actions help significantly.  We were all learning and staying transparent as we dealt with trials help with those relationships.

  1. How are you supporting the vaccine distribution across Virginia?

We work closely with our local emergency managers; they have had many hurdles to overcome and things have come so far in the distribution efforts.  We have offered assistance when needed.  One of the biggest ways is getting the message out and let citizens make decisions with the importation they receive so that they can make an informed decision.

  1. What is something you would like to accomplish?

To continue the professionalism within my agency and take it to the highest level attainable.

  1. To what do you look forward most about your job?

Making a positive impact on the citizens of Wise County and the employees of the Sheriff’s Office.

  1. Who have been mentors and/or role models in your life/career?

My mom and dad, who both taught me about hard work and perseverance, and to always do the right thing.

  1. What energizes and inspires you to continue to dedicate yourself to your work, protecting and serving your community?

I love my community.  My desire everyday is to make it a safer and great place to live. I want to leave it better than I found it.

  1. What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

Running, hunting, fishing, spending time with my family and grandchildren.

  1. What are some of your favorite songs on your music playlist?

Thrive by The Casting Crowns

I will see you again by Carrie Underwood

  1. What is your favorite book?

The Bible

  1. What sports/teams do you root for?

Tennessee Volunteer Football

West Virginia Football

  1. What drew you to law enforcement?

I want to help people, to protect them from harm and make a positive difference in my community.

  1. What did you do before being elected to the office of sheriff?

I worked for a tire sales store and served in the Virginia Army National Guard before I began my career in 1984 as a Deputy Sheriff for Wise County.  Then I was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Colonel prior to being elected as Sheriff in 2019.

  1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

To remove hate and violence from our world.

  1. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?

Alaska

  1. What are you most proud of?

My children and grandchildren

  1. What’s your favorite movie genre?

Action/comedy movies

  1. What character trait do you most admire in others?

Honesty, it is the one thing we must have to be effective in our profession

  1. What have you taken away from the past year that you will carry forward in your work?

The past year has held many challenges, the manner in which my staff dealt with COVID-19 showed me what great and talented people can accomplish when there is a single goal to be achieved.  I am very blessed to have caring, talented and compassionate professionals in my office.

Sheriff E. Grant Kilgore Biography

Sheriff E. Grant Kilgore is a lifelong resident of Wise County, enlisting in the Army National Guard shortly after graduating Saint Paul High School.  Beginning his career with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office in 1984 as a Patrol Deputy, achieving the rank of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Colonel, and elected Sheriff in 2019 for Wise County and The City of Norton. Kilgore was a founding member of the Sheriff’s Response Team and still trains and responds with the team.  He is a certified General Instructor, Firearms Instructor, E.R.A.S.E, Active Shooter, Taser, and Tactical Instructor.  Attended The Professional Leadership Academy through Mountain Empire Community College, is active in Church and currently serves as the First Vice Commander for the local American Legion Post, which serves Veterans and our community.

Getting to Know Your Virginia Sheriffs Archives

May 2019 – Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall
June 2019 – Northampton County Sheriff David Doughty
July 2019 – Chesterfield County Sheriff Karl S. Leonard
August 2019 – Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman
September 2019 – Frederick County Sheriff Lenny Millholland
October 2019 – Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid
November 2019 – City of Richmond Sheriff Dr. Antionette Irving
December 2019 – City of Salem Sheriff April Staton
January 2020 – City of Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts
February 2020 –  Lunenburg County Sheriff Arthur Townsend
June 2020 – Rapphahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton
July 2020 – Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons
September 2020 – City of Falls Church Sheriff Metin “Matt” Cay
November 2020 – Dinwiddie County Sheriff D.T. “Duck” Adams
December 2020 – Gloucester County Sheriff Darrell W. Warren, Jr.
January 2021 – City of Portsmouth Sheriff Michael A. Moore
February 2021- Dickenson County Sheriff Jeremy Fleming
March 2021 – Appomattox County Sheriff Donald Simpson
May 2021 – Bland County Sheriff Jason Ramsey
June 2021 – Louisa County Donald A. Lowe