Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2010
Office of the Governor
Contact: Stacey Johnson
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Stacey.Johnson@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Governor McDonnell Congratulates Hampton Sheriff
B.J. Roberts on Election as First African American
President of National Sheriffs Association

Issues Certificate of Recognition Applauding Sheriff Roberts' Long Record of Public Service

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell congratulated Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts for his election as the first African American president of the National Sheriffs Association. The group, founded in 1940, has over 20,000 members representing the nation's public safety community. The Governor issued a Certificate of Recognition which also highlighted Roberts' long record of public service to the citizens of Hampton and the Commonwealth of Virginia. That certificate was presented on behalf of the Governor by Delegate Kenneth Alexander (D-Norfolk) at the Association's Annual Meeting in California. Speaking about the election, Delegate Alexander stated, "I was honored to present Sheriff Roberts with this Certificate of Recognition in California last week. Sheriff Roberts is a fine Virginian and a great sheriff who has made countless contributions to the law enforcement and public safety community. Residents and businesses in Hampton Roads are safer because of Sheriff Roberts' presence. We're all proud to have such an outstanding Virginian in the top post at the National Sheriffs Association."

An image of the Certificate of Recognition is below