Sheriff to Retire After 38 Years of Service

CHARLOTTE COURT HOUSE – Charlotte County Sheriff Thomas A. Jones confirmed on Tuesday that he does not intend to seek reelection.   

After 38 years of service as a police officer and sheriff, Jones informed the Messenger he will retire at the end of his term of office on December 31, 2019.

In an interview Sheriff Jones stated he was not the longest serving sheriff in Virginia as is often stated.  Sheriff Jones and Sheriff Larry J. Parrish of Nottoway County were both elected in 1987.  Jones stated the reason his official vehicle carries the number one plate indicating he is the longest serving is that according to the process when there are two officials with the same duration of service the plates are assigned alphabetically.

Jones joined the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in 1981 as a jailer and soon became a road deputy.  He ran for Sheriff in 1987, a position he has held for 32 years.

When asked the best part of his tenure of service Sheriff Jones said, “The relationship with the people in Charlotte County.  They have always been supportive of me and my staff.  A lot of the changes we have made have come from the citizens.”

“I have had the best staff anyone could ever wish for. I would put them up against any department in the state. They have worked hard for me and for the citizens of Charlotte County.   My goal has always been to improve the office. “

Sheriff Jones also said, “I have had a great job. I wouldn’t change anything. My only regret is the time I should have spent with my family but I hope to make that up to them.”

(See Page A3 for a letter of thanks  from Sheriff Thomas Jones)