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

Virginia Sheriff Spotlight: Get to Know Smyth County Sheriff Chip Shuler

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,…


Joint Law Enforcement Investigation Leads to Arrest in Regional Theft Cases 

The Office of the Sheriff for Rockbridge County and Lexington City, in partnership with the Buena Vista Police Department and the Lexington VA Police Department, has been actively investigating a recent series of thefts occurring throughout the region. Over the past several weeks, this joint investigation has required a significant law enforcement presence in multiple…



Mental Health Awareness: A Daily Commitment at the ACSO

While May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) reinforces the importance of mental wellness every day. In a creative celebration of this commitment, the ACSO recently hosted “Arlington’s Got Talent” a voluntary inmate talent show designed to inspire confidence, reduce stress, and promote positive self-expression. Incarcerated individuals shared…


Vehicle Theft Suspects Apprehended with Help from License Plate Reader Technology

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on June 10, King George County Sheriff’s Office (KGSO) deputies were alerted by an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) that a stolen vehicle was traveling in the county. Deputies located the vehicle in the Dahlgren area, where it fled at a high rate of speed, initiating a pursuit. As the vehicle…



VSA Responds to DHS Removal of “Sanctuary Cities” List

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has removed the list of so-called “sanctuary cities” from its website. Sheriffs across Virginia and indeed across the nation were wrongly characterized as uncooperative with federal agencies, leading to unnecessary confusion and an erosion of public trust in many communities. DHS did not provide information regarding the source of…


Recognizing Courage, Compassion, and Commitment

Virginia Sheriffs’ Association Awards Annual Deputy Sheriff of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, and Valor Recipients The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) congratulates the recipients of the 2025 Deputy Sheriff of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, and Valor Awards. It is a privilege for VSA to recognize the meritorious contributions of Virginia’s professional deputy sheriffs and…


Honoring Special Deputy Brad Hughes for Turning Tragedy into Purpose

The Powhatan Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt thanks to Special Deputy Brad Hughes for his unwavering dedication, courage, and service. His strength in overcoming his injuries is nothing short of inspiring, and his continued commitment to protecting and serving our community does not go unnoticed. On March 17, 2014, while assisting the Chesterfield Police Department…



Sheriff Vanessa R. Crawford Inspires at 56th Annual Founders Day Celebration

Recently, City of Petersburg Sheriff Vanessa R. Crawford, a former recipient of the prestigious Sojourner Truth Award, served as the guest speaker at the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) for its 56th Annual Founders Day program for Petersburg and vicinity. The NANBPWC, established in 1935, is a national non-profit…


Richmond City Sheriff’s Office Celebrates Nurses Week with Spirit and Gratitude

The Richmond City Sheriff’s Office honored its dedicated nursing staff during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2025. Each day brought a different theme, like “Favorite Scrubs Day,” “Wacky Sock Day,” and “Represent Your College Day” as a fun way to show appreciation for the hardworking team. The week concluded with a tribute to Florence Nightingale…