This report was posted on the Facebook page of the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office on December 31 by Sheriff Mark E. Embrey. (Edited for brevity and clarity.)
I am so proud of the many accomplishments that our office made this past year, which has all been made possible by our incredible staff.
Earlier this year, this office initiated the accreditation process with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. This is a lengthy process, but one which will ensure that professional standards are being met and delivered to the community by all divisions of our department. The anticipated goal to achieve accreditation is in early 2027, if not sooner.
With the continued support of the Board of Supervisors, we provided new body worn cameras to all sworn members of the department, as well as instituting a new Traffic Unit position to ensure an increased presence and stronger enforcement initiatives on our primary and secondary roadways.
Having received multiple grant awards from various state agencies, we have been able to purchase equipment that both enhances our ability to investigate criminal matters, as well as aiding our deputies in life-saving measures.
Sheriff Mark E. Embrey spoke at Wintergreen Fire & Rescue’s Christmas party on December 9 at Tuckahoe Clubhouse.
Through the Virginia State Police HEAT Grant, our department purchased three automated license plate readers which have contributed to the seizure of stolen vehicles, as well as the location of missing and endangered persons.
A medical grant was also received which allowed the purchase of 12 automated external defibrillator units. An AED device is now assigned to every patrol vehicle.
In September, the department's Criminal Investigative Division was recognized at the Virginia Sheriff's Association Annual Conference. This recognition was due to an August 2024 arrest which was assisted by the FBI (Richmond Field Office) and Virginia State Police. Captain Tobin and his investigators were recognized by Delegate Amy Laufer and the Virginia House of Delegates for their outstanding work and commitment, which exploited an organized-criminal enterprise operating internationally.
“The department closed out 2025 with our most rewarding program, Bikes and Badges, which saw 48 bicycles delivered to youth across Nelson County for the Christmas holiday. The purchase of these bicycles was only made possible through the financial and loving support of this wonderful community.”
As I look ahead to 2026, I look forward to the Department's continued community outreach and involvement with our partnering agencies. We will continue to work diligently with Nelson County Public Schools to ensure both school safety, as well as making sure our public school buses can safely transport our students to their destinations. The D.A.R.E. programs at both Tye River Elementary School and Rockfish Elementary School have been very successful and rewarding.
Our Cop Camp and Senior's Program will continue to be a priority, as we focus on providing education and resources to our county's youth and seniors. Our Senior Sessions will be traveling to Gladstone in April 2026.
In 2026, beginning in April, our Town Hall forums will be held on a bi-annual basis, rather than a quarterly basis. The reason for this change is to allow more content to be presented at each forum. I very much enjoy meeting everyone at these public forums.
