September 23, 2004
Press Release

In Celebration of the BCSO 250th Anniversary

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF - BEDFORD COUNTY, VIRGINIA
By LT. Tony Martin

Bedford County Sheriff Michael J. Brown celebrated the observance of the 250th anniversary of the Bedford law enforcement agency on May 10, 2004. 2004 marks the 250th year the Sheriffs and Deputies of Bedford County have been serving and protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth. In observance of this milestone Sheriff Brown commissioned a new badge to be worn on the uniform of all of the Bedford County Deputies.

The new, uniquely styled badge represents the proud history and traditions of the Bedford Sheriff’s Office and is a tribute to all the Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs who have been a part of that history. The Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, established in 1754, was fighting crime for 35 years before the first United States Marshal held office in 1789. The badge of the American Sheriff has been a symbol of authority since the 1600s.

The design elements of the new badge were based partly on research of historical records and on Virginia tradition. Predominant features of the badge include a five point gold star surrounded by a silver shield. The Seal of the Commonwealth is reproduced on the star as it was over one hundred years ago, with Bedford County’s famous Peaks of Otter in the background. The shield, with contours and details reminiscent of those dating from the 1800s, has a beaded edge and decorative scrollwork. A panel on the top of the badge is engraved with the Deputy’s rank and two panels on the bottom have the words “250th Anniversary” and “1754 – 2004” in standing letters. The back of each badge is engraved “COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE”, the slogan adopted by the Sheriff’s Office when Sheriff Brown was elected in 1995. The badge was designed by Tony Martin, a Deputy with the Office and was produced in the USA at no expense to the taxpayer.

A ceremony was held at the Sheriff’s Office on Monday, May 10, 2004 to dedicate the new badge to public service and to honor those Sheriffs and Deputies who served the citizens of Bedford County in the past. Sheriff Brown spoke at the ceremony about the history of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and displayed a photograph of Bedford Sheriff Rucker Mitchell (deceased) and his Deputies taken in the 1940s. Also on display was a photograph of Sheriff Mitchell’s original badge, identification cards and handgun, provided by Sheriff Mitchell’s son, also in attendance. Sheriff Brown reminisced about growing up in Bedford County and the impression Sheriff Mitchell made on him when Sheriff Brown was a young boy.

Also in attendance were specially invited guests of the Sheriff’s Office, including retired Bedford County Sheriffs Jack Cundiff and Carl Wells. Each Sheriff was presented a personalized anniversary retirement badge with a certificate that read in part:

“This certificate along with a personalized 250th anniversary badge is awarded in recognition of and appreciation for your service to the citizens of Bedford County and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Your participation and leadership are forever a part of the history of the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. Your personal dedication and sacrifice, at times at your own peril, contributed to the safety and welfare of all the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Retired Captains Ronnie Laughlin and Vernon Goode were also recognized and awarded retirement badges with certificates although neither was able to attend the ceremony./p>

The Sheriff congratulated each Deputy personally as the anniversary badges were issued. The badges will be worn on the uniforms until midnight, December 31st, 2004 except for the month of September when all Bedford County Deputies will wear the 9-11 memorial badge in remembrance of those lost in the attacks on the United States in 2001.

Contact: Robin Sundquist – Admin Officer – 540.586.4800