Local Sheriff Elected as Second Vice-President of Virginia Sheriffs’ Association

Loudoun County Sheriff Stephen O. Simpson was elected as Second Vice-President of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, on Monday, during the organization’s 78th Annual Conference in Norfolk, VA. 

Previously the Chairman of the Membership Committee of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association and currently on their Board of Directors and the Legislative Committee, Simpson said he felt he has what it takes to take succeed in this new position.

“Obviously, I’ve been in law enforcement for many years and I felt like I was ready for a challenge. I wanted to give back a little bit to the association as well,” Simpson said, on Friday. “I see there’s a lot of work to be done with legislatures, in Richmond, and the governor’s offices trying to maintain funding for sheriff offices and keep positions from being cut. I feel like I’ve got the experience that is needed to be able to help move the association forward with the best interest of all sheriff offices in Virginia.”

Members of the Legislative Committee act as the primary voice for Virginia sheriffs meeting with the Governor and members of the General Assembly regarding public safety issues; such as securing additional funding from the Commonwealth to support local Sheriff’s Offices. Sheriff's elected as officers serve a one-year term leading the 8,600 member organization. 

Simpson said he looks forward to the upcoming year while working with the legislative committee and the board of directors. The biggest challenges, he said, will be to make sure that funding is maintained to pass bills that enhance law enforcement effectiveness within the state of Virginia.

“As a matter of fact, we’ll be leaving in November to discuss bills that will be presented and make a decision as an association, which bills will we support and which ones we will not support,” Simpson said. “We will entertain bills that have been composed for law enforcement related issues that we want to have taken forward to enhance the ability of law enforcement state wide and that type of thing.”

The Annual Conference of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association was attended by over 247 sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and special guests from across Virginia. Also represented at the conference were over 80 professional exhibitors displaying the latest crime-fighting equipment.  Keynote speakers included representatives from the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate.

“It’s always rewarding when you’re elected to something by your peers and I appreciate their confidence in me, and my ability, to be able to help move the association forward,” Simpson said. “I think my 16 years of experience as sheriff and working with budgets and working in this arena will help a great deal.

"I feel I’ve got the experience now to live up to the expectations of what the leadership role calls me to do. It’s something I felt ready for and I’m definitely excited about it and looking forward to the challenge."