On October 31, 2008 Captain Douglas W. Henderlite retired from the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office with thirty-two and one half years of service. Captain Henderlite began his career as a Deputy Sheriff in 1976 and rose through the ranks to the position of Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division.
Captain Henderlite graduated from the 19th Session of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy and has been a member of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy Alumni Association since that time. Captain Henderlite has been involved in numerous high profile homicide cases in Smyth County and is one of the most respected Investigators in Southwest Virginia. “We are all going to miss Doug, especially his expertise.” said Sheriff Bradley who has worked with Captain Henderlite throughout the past 32 years.