Editor, The News-Gazette: As superintendent of Rockbridge County Public Schools, I have the privilege of working alongside many dedicated community leaders, and few have had a greater impact on the safety and well-being of our students and staff than Sheriff Tony McFaddin.
Sheriff McFaddin brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience to our county, and his leadership has been vital in ensuring that our schools remain safe places for children to learn and staff to work. He and his team have consistently partnered with our schools to provide a visible presence, timely support, and programs that strengthen relationships between law enforcement and our youngest citizens. His proactive approach has helped foster not only safer campuses, but also trust and collaboration across our community.
In an era when school safety is at the forefront of every parent’s and educator’s mind, I can say with confidence that Sheriff McFaddin has been, and will continue to be, the steady, experienced leader we need. His commitment to our schools and to the broader community makes him uniquely qualified to continue serving as sheriff of Rockbridge County.
For these reasons, I strongly endorse Sheriff Tony McFaddin for reelection. PHILLIP THOMPSON Division Superintendent -I was born into a Marine Corps household and grew up surrounded by Marines of every rank while living on bases. My father instilled in me the meaning of true leadership at an early age. While attending military college, I learned to recognize strong and weak leadership— lessons that have guided me through more than eight years in law enforcement.
I’ve had the privilege of observing Sheriff McFaddin’s leadership firsthand. He embodies the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment. Sheriff McFaddin has built an exceptional team and continues to refine it in every facet. He takes the time to know his deputies personally and fosters a sense of family within the department — a leader who prioritizes and supports his people demonstrates his character.
Sheriff McFaddin knows his community and cares deeply for the citizens he serves. He works tirelessly to strengthen trust between his deputies and the community they protect.
This community deserves a leader who exemplifies the 14 leadership traits of a Marine, and Sheriff McFaddin consistently does just that.
I encourage the community to vote for Tony A. McFaddin Jr. for sheriff. LORAN DREELIN Rockbridge Baths ---
As voters consider the upcoming election for sheriff of Rockbridge County, it is important to recognize the leadership qualities that have guided the sheriff’s office under the tenure of Sheriff McFaddin. His approach has been grounded in teamwork, professional development, and long-term sustainability — qualities that make him well-suited to continue serving our community.
Sheriff McFaddin has shown that strong leadership is built on teamwork, inclusivity, and planning for the future. Under his tenure, the sheriff’s office has developed a culture that values varying experiences and perspectives, ensuring the best service to the entire community.
He has also made succession planning a priority, preparing the next generation of leaders and safeguarding the sustainability of programs that benefit all citizens of Rockbridge County. His commitment to building a strong team today ensures continued progress tomorrow.
For these reasons, Sheriff McFaddin deserves your vote to continue leading with vision, accountability, and dedication to the community.
WAYNE F. HANDLEY Fairfield -As a former U.S. Marine, I was taught to see things as they are objectively, honestly, and with conviction. When someone stands for what’s right, we stand beside them. This year, my wife and I paid close attention to the Rockbridge County sheriff’s race. After watching every candidate and talking with deputies, one name rose above the rest Sheriff Tony McFaddin.
Tony isn’t just another candidate; he’s a leader forged by integrity, grounded in service, and driven by principle. To him, being sheriff isn’t about a title, it’s about responsibility, fairness, and honor. Under his leadership, the sheriff’s office has become a family built on trust and teamwork. He leads from the front shoulder to shoulder with his deputies earning respect through action, not words. In a time when leadership feels uncertain, Tony reminds us that honor still matters and service above self still counts.
This election, stand with us and vote Tony McFaddin a sheriff who leads like a Marine and serves like a neighbor.
Leadership. Integrity. Family. Service. GREG and DEBBIE DREELIN Rockbridge Baths -I would like to wholeheartedly endorse the re-election of Sheriff Tony McFaddin.
I have had the opportunity to interact with Sheriff McFaddin on a professional and personal level. As our friendship matured, I have been inspired with his professional skills, areas of expertise, personal qualities, and the will to take on complex challenges with a “we will overcome this attitude.” He’s demonstrated his competence with addressing difficult problems during unpleasant times. He has proven success in enhancing productivity with the use of technology, data driven decision making, and incorporating best practices within law enforcement.
As a seasoned administrator, he is firm, stresses the importance of being fair, and strictly holds all subordinate officers to the elevated level of service and integrity that he, himself, upholds and maintains. He is recognized as a master police trainer, as well as a servant leader, thereby ensuring his team is prepared, trained, and ready to face any existing circumstance or threat.
Sheriff McFaddin has the ability to leverage every ounce of individual talent and create a unity of purpose within a department. He is absolutely committed and dedicated to succeeding with moving forward the initiatives which may incorporate community and public safety.
MICHAEL MARSHALL VMI chief of police
