2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26108103D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 188

Offered March 5, 2026

Commending Thomas M. Woody.

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Patron—McDougle

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WHEREAS, in February 2026, Thomas M. Woody of Mechanicsville retired as a lieutenant colonel with the Hanover County Sheriff's Office after nearly 40 years of service to the community as a law-enforcement officer; and

WHEREAS, after graduating at the top of his class from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy, Thomas Woody began his long and distinguished tenure with the Hanover County Sheriff's Office on March 1, 1987, as a patrol deputy; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his 39-year career, Thomas Woody rose through the ranks and held leadership roles in the Patrol Division, Investigative Division, Street Crimes Unit, and the Training and Personnel Unit; and

WHEREAS, in 2020, Thomas Woody achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel and began serving as chief of staff to the sheriff of Hanover County; and

WHEREAS, to better serve the public, Thomas Woody completed the Institute for Leadership in Changing Times at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, as well as additional training in advanced supervision and incident management; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Woody has received more than 100 commendations from citizens, supervisors, and coworkers in recognition of his outstanding service to the residents of Hanover County and the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, admired for his positive and supportive leadership style, Thomas Woody has been a trusted mentor to many younger members of the Hanover County Sheriff's Office and a dedicated and dependable friend for all of his fellow law-enforcement officers; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Woody's personal integrity and commitment to excellence helped the Hanover County Sheriff's Office fulfill its mission to serve and protect members of the public and greatly enhanced the quality of life in Hanover County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Thomas M. Woody on the occasion of his retirement from the Hanover County Sheriff's Office in 2026; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Thomas M. Woody as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his legacy of contributions to the residents of Hanover County and best wishes on his well-earned retirement.