Sheriff Tony McFaddin is pleased to announce that the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office has officially hired and assigned a permanent School Resource Deputy to Natural Bridge Elementary School. This move reinforces the agency’s commitment to the safety, security, and well-being of our students, staff, and the broader school community. Beginning this week, as the new school year got underway, students, faculty, and parents at Natural Bridge Elementary were greeted by a very familiar and trusted face — Deputy Patrick Word.
During the 2024–2025 school year, other School Resource Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office had been rotating in to provide coverage at Natural Bridge Elementary for a few hours each day. While this ensured basic safety and support, the appointment of a full-time, dedicated deputy marks a major step forward in school-based community policing.
Deputy Word brings with him 25 years of diverse law enforcement experience, having served in multiple public safety roles across the region. His career includes prior service with the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Rockbridge Regional Jail, the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center, the Buena Vista Sheriff’s Office, and the Buena Vista Police Department. He has also previously served with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, making his return a welcome and familiar one.
Sheriff McFaddin shared his enthusiasm about the appointment:
“We’re excited to expand our school safety efforts and proud to place someone as capable and community-minded as Deputy Word in this important position. Deputy Word’s extensive background, combined with his strong connection to the local community, makes him exceptionally well-suited for this role. His presence will help foster a safe and positive learning environment, as well as strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the youth of Rockbridge County.”
Deputy Word also shared his personal perspective on stepping into this important position:
“For me, this role is about being a positive role model for the students—being the deputy they can trust. I want to be visible, approachable, and involved. Whether it’s interacting with students day to day, mentoring, attending school functions, or just being present in the hallways, my goal is to build strong and trusted relationships with the students, the faculty, the school division, and the community, while also upholding the law and keeping our schools safe.”
Dr. Phillip Thompson, Division Superintendent of Rockbridge County Public Schools, also expressed his support:
“We are pleased to welcome Deputy Word to Natural Bridge Elementary School for the 2025–2026 school year. This important addition reflects our strong partnership with the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and our shared commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and caring environment for all students and staff. A School Resource Deputy not only strengthens school safety but also fosters meaningful connections between our students and local law enforcement.”
The Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our schools and building meaningful relationships with students and educators across the region.
