Skip to content
Virginia Sheriffs’ Association
The Voice of Virginia’s Sheriffs & Deputies

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association is pleased to announce the National Sheriffs’ Association has selected Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman as the recipient of the 2023 National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) Ferris E. Lucas Sheriff of the Year award. Chapman will be recognized this summer at the NSA’s Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for his contributions to the law enforcement community.

In recognizing Sheriff Chapman this year, NSA cites his approach to leadership, stewardship, and innovation, along with his successful efforts to protect the Office of Sheriff from efforts to replace the law enforcement responsibilities of his office with a police department and appointed chief. An independent conversion study conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) affirmed the benefits of a full-service sheriff’s office and the accountability of an elected sheriff directly to the citizens. This study is a definitive reference tool for sheriffs throughout the nation who may face similar challenges.

“I am grateful to the National Sheriffs’ Association for this recognition,” said Chapman. “Many distinguished sheriffs have received the Ferris E. Lucas award and I am honored to be included among these respected public servants.”

“Mike Chapman is a great Sheriff and an even better person,” said NSA Executive Director Jonathan Thompson. “He embodies everything this award was created to recognize, and the peers he serves with on the NSA board see him as a forward-looking leader who is determined to keep his community safe and equip the professionals in his office with the best tools and training to succeed,” he continued.

“The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association is again honored that one of its members has received this prestigious national award,” said John Jones, Executive Director. “Sheriff Chapman has distinguished himself and the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association. His professionalism and commitment to the office of sheriffs speaks volumes to the level of service his office provides to the citizens of Loudoun.”

This is the second consecutive year a Virginia sheriff has been selected for this esteemed award. The National Sheriff’s Association 2022 “Sheriff of the Year” Award was presented to Petersburg’s Sheriff Vanessa Crawford.