This memorial is a polished black granite stone with the laser-etched image of Robert V. Chadwell at the top, the U.S. flag to the left, and the star logo of the sheriff's department on the right, and the following memorial:
TEXT OF THE MEMORIAL:
In memory of Robert V. Chadwell
who dedicated 40 years of his
life to law enforcement. He was
elected 5 times by the people of
Lee County to be their sheriff,
and served in that capacity for
17 years until his death on December 13, 1996.
“He was, and always will
be, the peoples sheriff”
JOINT HOUSE RESOLUTION 1997:
1997 SESSION
971349322
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 526
Offered January 17, 1997
On the death of Robert V. Chadwell.
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Patrons-- Kilgore; Senator: Wampler
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WHEREAS, Robert V. Chadwell, the highly respected Sheriff of Lee County, died on December 13, 1996; and
WHEREAS, before he came to Lee County, Robert Chadwell had compiled a distinguished law-enforcement record in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he retired as Chief of Detectives after 23 years of service; and
WHEREAS, in 1979, Robert Chadwell was elected Sheriff of Lee County, took office in January of 1980, and for 17 years served the citizens of Lee County with integrity and professionalism; and
WHEREAS, an energetic and innovative law-enforcement officer, Sheriff Chadwell worked constantly to upgrade the effectiveness and professionalism of the Lee County Sheriff's Department through better training and equipment; and
WHEREAS, Sheriff Chadwell was a driving force behind the establishment of the new Southwest Law Enforcement Academy in Bristol, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Sheriff Chadwell started the DARE program in Lee County and, just days before his death, instituted a new plan to teach the Class Action Program in Lee County high schools; and
WHEREAS, throughout his long career in law enforcement, Sheriff Robert V. Chadwell adhered to the highest ideals of his profession, to the ultimate benefit of the citizens of Lee County he served so well; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the loss of a dedicated and effective public servant, Sheriff Robert V. Chadwell; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Sheriff Robert V. Chadwell as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his long and meritorious service to the citizens of Lee County and the Commonwealth.