The Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives’ Association (SRLEEA) extends its deepest gratitude to Sheriff Vanessa Reese Crawford, who has concluded her term as President. Sheriff Crawford has been instrumental in advancing the SRLEEA’s mission, and under her leadership, the association successfully planned and carried out its first two annual training conferences, which were hailed as a resounding success.
Sheriff Crawford, who has had a distinguished career in law enforcement, was sworn in as the first female Sheriff of the City of Petersburg, Virginia, on December 15, 2005. She served the city with dedication for multiple terms and is the longest-serving elected official in Petersburg’s history. In addition to her role as Sheriff, Sheriff Crawford has received numerous accolades, including being named “Sheriff of the Year” by the National Sheriff’s Association and earning the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia Correctional Association.
“I am deeply proud of the progress we’ve made during my time as President of SRLEEA,” said Sheriff Crawford. “The success of our annual training conferences and the growth of our association are testaments to the collective efforts of all our members. I look forward to continuing to support SRLEEA in my new capacity and am excited to work alongside President Eli Rivera as we move forward.”
Sheriff Crawford’s legacy of leadership, both in Virginia and nationally, has been marked by several historic achievements. She became the first female to run an all-male facility in the Virginia Department of Corrections and was the only African American female Sheriff in the United States from 2014 to 2017. Her certification as a PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Auditor by the Department of Justice and her election as the President of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association in 2017-2018 are just a few highlights of her extensive career.
In 2023, she was appointed Chair of the Board of Governors of SRLEEA, and President in 2024 where her leadership continued to elevate the association’s visibility and success.
Sheriff Eli Rivera, newly appointed President of SRLEEA, applauds Sheriff Crawford for her outstanding service. “Sheriff Crawford has been a tremendous asset to SRLEEA, and her work during her presidency has paved the way for our continued success. I look forward to collaborating with her and building on the foundation she has established for the association.”
Sheriff Crawford’s service to law enforcement, as well as her commitment to her community and advocacy work, has made her a role model for many. Her leadership will continue to inspire SRLEEA members as she remains a valuable
resource for the association moving forward.