2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104654D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 52

Offered January 21, 2026

Commending Richard A. Vaughan.

—————

Patron—Stanley

—————

WHEREAS, Richard A. Vaughan, a distinguished law-enforcement officer and community leader, recently concluded his tenure as sheriff of Grayson County in 2025; and

WHEREAS, Richard Vaughan earned an associate degree in police science at Wytheville Community College in 1991 and, three years later, joined the Department of Conservation and Recreation as a conservation officer; and

WHEREAS, Richard Vaughan next served with the Wythe County Sheriff's Office from 1997 through 2007, first as a patrol deputy for two years and then as the sergeant of criminal investigations for eight years, during which time he received a number of commendations for his service; and

WHEREAS, Richard Vaughan received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration from Bluefield College in 2005 and, two years later, was elected to serve as the first independent sheriff of Grayson County; and

WHEREAS, as the sheriff of Grayson County, Richard Vaughan oversaw 25 officers and 10 support staff across several divisions, including patrol, investigations, narcotics, asset forfeiture, tactical operations, civil process, communications, school resource, and court security; and

WHEREAS, with a deep commitment to helping the Grayson County Sheriff's Office fulfill its mission and to developing his skills as a sheriff and officer, Richard Vaughan completed a number of law-enforcement leadership programs and trainings over the years; and

WHEREAS, Richard Vaughan supported his fellow officers as president of the Virginia Sheriffs' Association from 2015 to 2016, chairman of the Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, and member of the National Sheriffs' Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police; and

WHEREAS, with great dedication and sense of purpose, Richard Vaughan has made Grayson County a safer and more wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, garnering the esteem and admiration of all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Richard A. Vaughan for his legacy of service as he concludes his tenure as sheriff of Grayson County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Richard A. Vaughan as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his contributions to Grayson County and the Commonwealth.