With more than four decades of service, Smyth County Sheriff Chip Shuler leads with heart, humility, and hard-earned experience. Since starting as a dispatcher in 1983, he’s served in nearly every role at the sheriff’s office – from D.A.R.E. officer to criminal investigator to tactical team member – always guided by his belief in education, faith, and public service.
Now in his third term as sheriff and serving as Second Vice President of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association Board, Shuler continues to champion training and community trust. His department’s strength was tested this past year following the devastating loss of Deputy Hunter Reedy and the impact of local flooding, but Shuler’s team rose to the challenge with unwavering resolve and support from a close-knit community. The work continues and so does his steadfast commitment to doing things the right way.
- Let’s start at the beginning. You’ve served in law enforcement since 1983 and were the first D.A.R.E. officer for Smyth County. What first drew you to a career in law enforcement, and who were some of the people or moments early on that helped shape the way you serve today?
I began my journey with the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) on December 22, 1983. During my tenure with SCSO, I have been assigned to Dispatch, the Jail, Courtroom Security, Patrol, Investigations, and Administration. I was the first DARE Officer for Smyth County, and this would be one of my most rewarding assignments. So many people have helped me along the way; it would be difficult to try and name them all, but certainly my father is at the top of my list. He, too, was a Deputy Sheriff. I would want to say thank you to the three leaders I worked for, Sheriffs’ Archer, Grubb, and Bradley. Also, my Criminal Investigations Captain Doug Henderlite and Chief Deputy Kenny Lewis.
- When you look back over your years in public service, what are some of the proudest accomplishments – not just your own, but those shared with your team and community?
Looking back, some of my most rewarding accomplishments would certainly include being the first DARE Officer and the difference that I hope to have made in someone’s young life. I spent most of my career in the Criminal Investigations Unit, and it was there that I was able to help people in crisis the most. I was a charter member of our SCSO Tactical Team, spending 10 years with the Team. I am a graduate of the 43rd session of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy and received the prestigious Virginia Forensic Science Academy Alumni Association Crime Scene Officer of the Year award in 2005. I am a graduate of the FBI National Academy 234, and I was in the first group of Sheriffs to receive the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute Certification. I am a strong advocate for training; I believe that knowledge is power. I feel that a well-trained Deputy is not only an asset to my Office, but to the community we serve. When citizens have confidence in their Sheriff’s Office, then they trust us to do the right thing!
- Under your leadership, the sheriff’s office has continued to evolve. What are some of the values or approaches you’ve tried to instill in your department over the years?
Again, I am a proponent of education and training. I am a Christian and I never let the opportunity to witness to my staff slip away. I am blessed to have some exceptional leaders working at SCSO who set an example for the Deputies.
- This past year has brought heartbreak and hardship. From the loss of Deputy Hunter Reedy to the impact of local flooding, how did your department respond, and what did those experiences reveal about the strength of your team and the community’s support?
The loss of Deputy Reedy was so tragic and truly shook our very souls. It has been the most horrific experience for me personally. I saw the very best come out of my staff and our community; the outpouring of love and support has been beyond description and continues to this very day.
- You’ve been active in the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association and Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute. How has that statewide involvement influenced your work locally, and why is it important for sheriffs to stay connected across the Commonwealth?
The Virginia Sheriff’s Association (VSA) is the best organization in Virginia; it is the voice of the Virginia Sheriff. I have been a member of the VSA for my entire career at SCSO. VSA is the lifeline for sheriffs to network, sharing our issues, needs, and successes. VSA is our voice inside the State government in Richmond. I also experienced how close the VSA keeps us during the loss of Deputy Reedy; so many Sheriffs called or came to my office. That support is so important!
- Smyth County offers several great public safety programs. Are there any particular initiatives you’re especially proud of right now?
We still have our DARE Program in ALL our elementary schools; all our DARE Instructors are Deputy Sheriffs. We have School Resource Officers in every school, which was one of my goals when I was first elected Sheriff; four to fourteen. I have a very successful Neighborhood Watch Program that just lost grant funding mid-stream due to Federal funding cuts, but we are maintaining the program as best we can without those funds.
- Your office earned accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC). What does this recognition represent for your team and the people you serve?
Earning our Accreditation was one of my goals when first elected Sheriff; I believe being an accredited agency shows our citizens that we are doing things the right way and that we are striving to be the best we can possibly be. What I was not prepared for was how much work it takes to achieve accreditation. We made the necessary changes, worked hard, and we are a better agency because of the process.
- Looking ahead, are there any new initiatives, improvements, or goals you and your staff are excited to pursue in the coming year?
We have just moved into our new Sheriff’s Office (some parts are still under construction). One of the most needed improvements that came with this move is that every Deputy has his or her own workspace, something we’ve never had. We are currently in negotiations with our Mental Health providers to provide Deputies for security at the Crisis Intake Center which will better serve our citizens with well trained personnel. I plan to continue with more specialized training for my staff; this is how we serve our citizens best.
- We know law enforcement is serious work, but let’s lighten things up a bit. What’s your go-to comfort meal after a long day? Got a favorite movie or show you always come back to?
Although unhealthy, my comfort meal after a long day is always my wife’s hand-patted cheeseburgers made from fresh, unfrozen, local ground beef – they are the BEST! My favorite movie is Tombstone (of course); I will watch it every time it’s on (ask my wife)!
- Finally, for anyone considering a career in law enforcement – especially in a rural community like Smyth County – what advice would you offer?
I still recommend law enforcement as a career. It’s a tough and dangerous job that comes with little pay, but a tremendous reward. My advice to young people interested in the law enforcement profession is to get a good education or military experience and learn how to talk to people from all walks of life. Law enforcement: if you love it, you would do it for free!
