Donald Simpson
Contributed

Appomattox County Sheriff Donald D. Simpson recently announced that he will not seek reelection and will complete his elected term Dec. 31.

He released the following statement on the matter:

On December 31, 2023 I will have completed my elected term as Sheriff. After much thought, prayer, and consultation with my one year old granddaughter, I have decided not to seek re-election this November.

In May I will have served 29 years at the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office. The last 11 years as Chief Deputy and subsequently Sheriff. The role of Sheriff and that of Chief Deputy are 24 hour a day, 7 day a week positions of responsibility. The citizens and the deputies I served deserved that unconditional level of attention and service. I can proudly say I have provided that unconditional service and leadership to the best of my ability. It is now my responsibility for the continuity of progress and growth to “pass the baton of responsibility” to a new generation of leaders.

I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of this office during my tenure. Despite the unprecedented challenges set forth by the pandemic and the social unrest of 2020 this office has thrived. I was able to secure pay raises for deputies, technology and facility upgrades, updated uniforms, and adjust polices and procedures to better suit the needs of the department. We have done this and maintained an exemplary level of service to the citizens of our community. Our violent crime rate is one of the lowest and clearance and conviction rates one of the highest in the area.

I am also proud of the people we have hired and retained. With a national average of law enforcement vacancy at nearly 10 percent we have maintained a fully staffed level nearly 100% of the time.

What I am most proud of, above everything listed above, is in my opinion a positive shift in the culture of the office. I see deputies helping each other succeed. I see deputies helping citizens, that is what is all about. Helping each other and helping the people. We are all public servants and we must never lose sight of that.

It has been my honor to serve as your Sheriff. I plan on working every day until the end of my term. I will not for one moment let what has been accomplished slide off the rails on the final lap.

Thank you.

Most respectfully,

Donald D. Simpson

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