The Shadow
David Williams has announced his candidacy for sheriff of Alleghany County and Covington.
Originally from Bath County, Williams has resided in Alleghany County for 25 years. He is a retired law-enforcement officer and his career included work in Alleghany County, Covington and Clifton Forge.
“After working in law enforcement in Alleghany County over the last 20 years, I?have many ideas that will offer positive change in our area and promote our community in a positive light as it should be,” he said.
During his career, Williams worked as a dispatcher, a patrol supervisor, a criminal investigator, a crime scene technician and as a special deputy to the U.S. Marshal Service’s fugitive task force. Williams was also a member of a special weapons and tactics team.
Williams and his wife, Susan, are members of Virginia Chapel United Methodist Church, near Hot Springs. He is also a member of the Clifton Forge and Millboro Masonic lodges. Williams is the owner of Whitey’s One-Stop on South Carpenter Drive in Covington.
Williams is the father of four children and he has two grandchildren. His first wife was the late Ossie Williams. His father, Roscoe “Bucky” Williams, was a former Covington police officer.
“As a Christian, a husband, a father, a businessman, a law enforcement officer and a citizen, I?understand how important community is and how effectively working together benefits everyone,” Williams said.
“As sheriff, I will promote our county as a friendly place with hard-working people who help one another. Over the years, negative news releases have projected the wrong image about our community and I?truly believe that a positive image is essential to promoting growth in our area,” he said.
Williams said his training and qualifications include: basic law enforcement certification, RADAR?instructor certification, firearms instructor certification, a graduate of the Forensic Science Academy, crime scene technician, basic investigations training, internal affairs investigation training, REID?interview training, front-line supervisor training, police mountain bike certification, VVCIN?training for dispatching.
General instructor certification, LIDAR instructor certification, basic and advanced SWAT?training, death scene investigation training, cold case investigation training, training in investigations of child abuse and sexual assault, police administration training, less lethal certification and Taser certification.
Williams graduated from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge with an associate degree in criminal justice. He holds a degree in public administration from Liberty University in Lynchburg.
“To be an effective leader, a person should have the knowledge, education, training, actual job experience, but most important, the desire to lead,” he said.
Williams said that as sheriff, he would promote community policing, saying: “I believe law enforcement officers should be approachable and have the interest of the community as their priority.”
He said, “One of the programs I?am interested in is community policing. This consists, in part, of regular neighborhood patrols and foot patrols to engage our citizens in a positive manner and allow the officers and citizens to become familiar with each other. I?will establish volunteer programs where officers will, at the request of family members or individuals, check on those who are older or who have special needs and live alone.”
Williams said he would also work to promote greater coordination among first responders, so fire departments, rescue squads and law enforcement agencies can more effectively work together during emergencies.
“By having a basic plan in place and regular training with all departments, the response time during a crisis will be more effective,” he said.
In addressing ongoing budgetary issues between the sheriff’s office and the local governments, Williams said: “The main problem, I?understand, is accountability for funding. I?believe the sheriff should regularly attend all government board meetings and update each government in Alleghany about all events or changes.
“In turn, the sheriff can receive feedback and suggestions from each government.”
Williams added: “I?believe it is the sheriff’s responsibility to sit down with Covington City Council and come up with a solution to the problem. I?do believe that we can come to a reasonable solution to the problem if we focus on the problem itself. A sheriff works for the community and with the community. As such, I would be open to any ideas from citizens and our local governments to make our area the best it can be.”
Williams said he feels that it is important that all citizens in Alleghany County “are equally represented and provided the same services.”
He notes that the sheriff serves Alleghany County, which includes Covington, Clifton Forge and Iron Gate, “as well as the residents who live outside of these localities.”
“My years in law enforcement and business have taught me many things. One important lesson is change is necessary to move forward and without change, we cannot progress,” he said. “I?would be honored to have your vote on November 5. Thank you for your support and God bless,” Williams said.
Williams can be reached at (540) 968-3414.
