Washington County, VA Sheriff Fred Newman reflects on his time in office as he prepares for retirement

As the page turns towards another decade, one sheriff in Southwest Virginia prepares to close the book on his lengthy career. Washington County, Virginia Sheriff Fred Newman enters his final month of his long lasting 20 year term, and during an interview Tuesday he reflected on some of his accomplishments serving the citizens of Washington County, including the length of time in office.

“I think based on what I’ve been told, I’m the longest serving Sheriff in the history of Washington County, and certainly that to me, is an accomplishment and a credit to the people that had enough confidence in me to continue to reelect me,” Newman said.

Additionally, Newman referenced the ability of the department to maintain their accreditation since first receiving the rating in 2006 as well as the creation of numerous divisions and increased personnel within the agency. Since taking office on January 1st, 2000, Sheriff Newman says he has seen many changes come to the county including the emergence of the methamphetamine issue as area departments including his continue to work to try and curb the drug epidemic affecting Southwest Virginia. As for Newman’s department, technological improvements and better equipment for deputies are among the big changes he has seen during his time as sheriff.

Current Virginia Highlands Community College Police Chief Blake Andis won the election for the vacant seat in November and will assume the sheriff position at the first of the year.

Courtesy of Image: T. Adams/Supertalk 92.9