The Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Town of Clintwood Police Department and the Virginia State Police, recently concluded months-long investigation and enforcement operation associated with the annual drug indictment roundup in Dickenson County. The coordinated investigation resulted in 46 individuals being arrested and a total of 185 charges being obtained. The operation…
The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office is happy to announce the launch of their Family Support Services Unit (FSSU). The FSSU will provide a centralized approach to strengthening family engagement, improving communication, connecting families with community resources, supporting inmate rehabilitation and successful reentry. The FSSU will serve as the primary liaison between incarcerated individuals, their families, and…
The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office recently marked the close of one chapter and the beginning of another as Sheriff M.E. Sampson retired following 32 years of dedicated service to the law enforcement profession. Sheriff Sampson’s career is truly a Middlesex story. More than three decades ago, he took his oath and joined the Middlesex County…
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) presented the 2026 Deputy Sheriff of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, and Valor Awards at the VSA Annual Conference on September 15, 2026, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Marriott. “Today, we recognize individuals whose actions have brought great credit to their agencies and to the law enforcement profession,” said…
During the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association’s (VSA) Annual Meeting held on September 16, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger officiated the swearing-in ceremony for VSA’s newly elected officers. The event marked the beginning of a new term for VSA leadership, with Smyth County Sheriff B. C. “Chip” Shuler assuming the position of President. “It is an extraordinary honor…
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) joins the Martinsville community and Virginia’s law enforcement family in mourning the passing of City of Martinsville Sheriff Steve M. Draper. Sheriff Draper passed away Saturday, August 29, following a terminal pulmonary illness. At the time of his passing, Sheriff Draper was Virginia’s senior sheriff, having served longer than any…
Across Virginia, sheriffs’ offices joined neighbors and community partners for National Night Out, coming together at events across the Commonwealth to strengthen relationships and connect with the communities they serve. From large countywide celebrations to smaller neighborhood gatherings, deputies, staff and residents gathered for cookouts, games, demonstrations and family activities. Severe weather and flooding affected…
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) joins the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the line-of-duty death of Deputy Burlie W. Duvall III, who was killed on Aug. 6 while assisting at the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Deputy Duvall dedicated his life to protecting his community and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to…
The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Relay for Life Team recently presented a $15,000 check to the American Cancer Society/Relay for Life South Hampton Roads. This donation was possible thanks to the Relay for Life Team’s fun and creative fundraisers they host throughout the year, including bake sales and bowling tournaments, selling t-shirts and sweatshirts, and spearheading…
King George County Sheriff Chris Giles has announced that he will retire at the end of 2026 after 36 years in law enforcement. Sheriff Giles made the announcement during a recent King George County Board of Supervisors meeting. Although his current term runs through Dec. 31, 2027, he has petitioned the King George Circuit Court…
On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Colonel Mike O’Toole celebrated his 40th Anniversary with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office. Throughout his storied career, Colonel O’Toole has held many positions including Community Corrections Director and Chief of Staff. While in these roles he started the FIRST Re-entry Program for VADOC and NCJ, led the way for directing and evolving…
In 2025, the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office was awarded funding under Governor Youngkin’s grant initiative to launch their first-ever Youth Explorers’ Program for teenagers between the ages of 13-18 years of age. Once the sheriff’s office was approved for funding, Sheriff April Edwards began creating an Explorers’ program that would facilitate interest in the law enforcement profession, develop rapport with our…