The Newport News Sheriff’s Office has several reasons to celebrate. Recently, Diana Velez, who has been a member of the NNSO team since 2008, was promoted to Captain. Additionally, The NNSO has received several generous donations towards Project Lifesaver, a program that covers the cost of search-and-rescue tracking initiatives for over 90 adult and children patients who may wander from home due to cognitive disorders.
Newport News Sheriff Morgan Announces New Captain
Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan is pleased to announce the promotion of Diana Velez to Captain. During the ceremony on September 22, which was held at the sheriff’s office due to Virginia’s COVID-19 state of emergency, Sheriff Morgan spoke of her professional excellence, dedicated service, and her many valuable contributions.
Captain Velez, the agency’s human resource officer, has been with the NNSO since November 2008.
After the ceremony, Captain Velez said, “I couldn’t be more grateful for the wonderful opportunity to serve under Sheriff Morgan’s leadership! I am so blessed and I will continue to give my all!”
Captain Velez began her career with the Newport News Sheriff’s Office in November 2008 as a Corrections Deputy in the city jail. She then moved to administrative roles as HR Assistant, Administrative Support and Accounts Payable. She was promoted to Master Deputy before being promoted to Sergeant in 2012. She rose to the rank of Lieutenant in 2014.
Captain Velez has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia College in Missouri. In 2017, she graduated from the National Criminal Justice Command College. In 2018, she graduated from BLE and is currently enrolled in a prep course for the SHRM Certified Professional exam that she will take in February 2021.
Prior to joining the Newport News Sheriff’s Office, Velez served in the United States Navy.
Congratulations, Captain Velez!
Donations support NNSO’s Project Lifesaver program
Several groups generously donated to the Newport News Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program after two fundraising events had to be canceled because of COVID-19 in the community.
The annual Car and Bike Show in September and Escorted Motorcycle Ride in October usually bring in several thousand dollars to support Project Lifesaver.
Members of American Legion Riders Post 25 stopped by with a donation of $575. The NNSO also acknowledged the Kiwanis Club of Denbigh for its $250 donation and Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group for $325. Many citizens have made contributions in various amounts as well – all to show their support for the program.
Project Lifesaver is a search-and-rescue tracking initiative for adults and children who may wander from home due to their cognitive disorder (Alzheimer’s, Autism, etc). The NNSO covers all costs of this important protection for nearly 90 clients of all ages.
To donate or to find out more about these 2021 events, contact Community Resource Officer Lieutenant Patrick-Gross at [email protected] or call 757-926-3991.
