All 27 newly elected sheriffs from around Virginia gathered at the New Sheriff Orientation hosted by the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute on December 3, 4, and 5 in Richmond to learn about topics ranging from DFS services to how to respond in the event of being sued. From Delegate Terry Austin welcoming the newly-elected sheriffs to comments from Virginia State Police Superintendent Col. Gary Settle, many remarkable individuals contributed knowledge and insight to this orientation.
Sheriff James E. Brown III, City of Charlottesville, and VSI President; Sheriff Timothy C. Carter, Shenandoah County welcomed everyone to the New Sheriff Orientation.
Deputy Director of Public Safety and Homeland Security, VSA Member, and Former Fluvanna County Sheriff Ryant L. Washington greeted everyone on behalf of the Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Ms. Laurie J. Hicks discussed the critical topic of Sheriffs’ Accounting Practices at the New Sheriff Orientation.
Mr. Michael E. Parham II and Annika Melton from the Division of Risk Management led an in depth discussion on how to approach the topic lawsuits.
Mr. G. Stewart Petoe, Executive Director of Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council, talked with those at the New Sheriff Orientation about Virginia Law on Conflict of Interest, qualifying the new sheriffs as complying with the Code requirement for training on ethics for elected officials.
Major Scott Moser with Caroline County Sheriff’s Office spoke about Law Enforcement and FOIA at the New Sheriff Orientation – important discussions to have to prepare our sheriffs-elect.
Mr. Tyrone Nelson and Ms. Robyn M. de Socio from the Compensation Board addressed the attendees of the New Sheriff Orientation.
Discussion took place at the New Sheriff Orientation focusing on the issues at hand relating to sheriffs in Virginia and calling attention to Virginia Code sections pertaining to sheriffs and the role of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association to represent sheriffs across the Commonwealth.
Sheriff Brian J. Craig from Floyd County spoke about Local Government Supplements at the New Sheriff Orientation.
Colonel Gary T, Settle, Superintendent of the Virginia Department of the State Police and Former VSA member as Sheriff of Rappahannock County, spoke at the orientation.
Ms. Amy M. Curtis, counsel, from the Virginia Department of Forensic Science spoke with attendees of the New Sheriff Orientation about DFS Services for Sheriffs.
Delegate (and Speaker of the House designee) Eileen Filler-Corn was introduced by her sheriff, Sheriff Stacey Kincaid, Fairfax County, and spoke about mental health issues and the positive relationship enjoyed with the Virginia Sheriffs Association.
The conference closed with legal and liability issues presented by Attorney Mr. Jeff Rosen, and all attendees received certificates, Department of Criminal Justice Services training credits, and a reference notebook to carry home.
We are so grateful for the people who have made the New Sheriff Orientation a success!