The Shadow
After 38 years in law enforcement and being the first School Resource Officer and the first Drug Abuse Resistance Education Officer in the area, Sheriff Kevin Hall, Alleghany County/Covington, is hanging up his Sheriff’s duties, effective Dec. 31, 2023.
Growing up as a little, shy boy from Potts Creek, he “never thought it could happen but through blood, sweat, tears, people helping along the way, and getting his first taste of leadership as class president while attending the police academy,” Hall has been elected Sheriff for three consecutive terms.
He served 22 years in the city of Covington’s Police Department and 16 years as Sheriff and believes his department is the most represented and the most diversified agency in the surrounding areas. “Not one to brag,” Hall is proud of the many accomplishments his team put into place under his leadership and with the support of staff, local governing bodies, and the citizens of Alleghany County.
While it’s impossible to list all of his accomplishments, Hall highlights some as follows: being the first LE agency in the area to have computers in cars, mobile data terminals, and body-worn cameras; achieving the mutual aid agreement between Alleghany County/Covington, Clifton Forge, Iron Gate, and Bath County LE; adding a full-time Drug Task Force Investigator to his staff; being named the “father of the Drug Court,” along with the “mother of the Drug Court”, Ingrid Barber, Executive Director, Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board. Both were instrumental in bringing the drug court into fruition, along with help and support of the Honorable Ed Stein, Presiding Judge of the Alleghany Circuit Court.
He is also proud of the Crisis Intervention Team to help people having mental issues; the Pathway to Achieve Program for inmates; the promotion process put in place for employees; adding an investigator to work Internet Crimes against children, a recently signed agreement for a Regional Response Team; and being appointed by three different governors to various councils and committees, to include the Governor’s Addiction and Recovery Council and the President of the Sheriff’s Association, which consists of 123 Sheriffs and 9,500 members. “It’s never been about me but what’s best for LE, staff, and the citizens of Allegany County,” added Hall.
“I’m glad my son was able to give people hope that they can beat addiction by traveling throughout the state and sharing his drug addiction story,” said Hall of supporting his son through this process. “I’m so proud of Ryan and glad that he is now in a good place,” he added.
“So many have helped along the way that it’s impossible to list them all,” said Hall. “It’s pretty humbling as I sit back and think of the accomplishments of putting a good team together and all of the governmental and citizens’ support,” he added.
As Hall moves on and has accepted a verbal offer as Tour Leader/Security at WestRock, he is starting to see his new direction in life as a blessing. “I still have my health, my wife and family will no longer be stressed, and I won’t have to take the blame when things don’t go according to expectations,” said Hall. He believes he is the 2nd longest-running Sheriff in the history of Alleghany County and “I find that pretty amazing,” added Hall.
“I want to thank LE, staff, governmental agencies, and the citizens of Alleghany County. I gave 110 percent. It’s not a job for me but it’s my life and I will support the new administration and hope the citizens do the same.” said Hall in conclusion.
