2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25101838D

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 214

Offered January 20, 2025

Commending Josh A. Wyche, Sr.

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Patron—Jordan

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WHEREAS, Josh A. Wyche, Sr., an honorable veteran and dedicated law-enforcement officer, celebrated his 40th anniversary with the Southampton County Sheriff's Office in 2024; and

WHEREAS, born and raised in Southampton County, Josh Wyche attended Southampton County Public Schools and graduated from Franklin High School in 1980 before honorably serving his country for six years as a member of the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of sergeant; and

WHEREAS, Josh Wyche embarked upon his long and noble career in law enforcement in 1984 as a deputy sheriff in the detention division of the Southampton County Sheriff's Office and soon thereafter became a master deputy supporting the courtroom security and civil process section; and

WHEREAS, Josh Wyche graduated from the Crater Criminal Justice Training Academy in 1989 and was promoted to the rank of corporal before ultimately being elevated to the rank of sergeant with the responsibility to oversee courtroom security and process of service in 2006; and

WHEREAS, Josh Wyche has continued to develop his abilities as an officer over the years, completing the FBI National Academy in Quantico in 2009 and earning an associate degree in police science from Paul D. Camp Community College in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Josh Wyche's efforts led to a promotion to lieutenant in 2012, when he made history as the first African American to hold the rank of lieutenant in the history of the Southampton County Sheriff's Office; and

WHEREAS, Josh Wyche assumed the rank of captain in 2014 and took charge of many of the daily aspects of operating a law-enforcement agency, including preparing the budget, scheduling, handling personnel matters, and resolving inmate disputes; and

WHEREAS, on November 5, 2019, Josh Wyche made history again when he became the first African American to be elected as the sheriff of Southampton County and the City of Franklin, the position he holds to this day; and

WHEREAS, Josh Wyche has embodied the highest ideals of the law-enforcement profession over the 40 years in which he has protected and served the residents of Southampton County, earning him the esteem and admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Josh A. Wyche, Sr., hereby be commended on the occasion of his 40th anniversary as a member of the Southampton County Sheriff's Office; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Josh A. Wyche, Sr., as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's high regard for his legacy of service.