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After a 35-year law enforcement career, Sheriff Royal Freeman is hanging up his badge.

“I will be retiring from the position of Sheriff at the end of my term,” Freeman said Monday, March 6. “I have loved serving in the county where I grew up and have experienced an amazing career here. l thank the citizens for the support they have given me as sheriff, and more importantly, I appreciate the support they continue to give the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.”

Freeman said he would remain sheriff and fulfill his duties to the end of his term on Dec. 31 but will not seek reelection.

Freeman has had a lifelong career in serving the community. Before being sheriff, he served four years as an elected Board of Supervisor member for the Bacon/Saxe District until he was elected Sheriff in 2019 following the retirement of former Sheriff Thomas Jones.

Freeman began his career under Sheriff Jones in 1988 beginning as a correctional officer, then road deputy, and continued through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and major.

When it comes to his job as Sheriff, Freeman is quick to point out his staff and the hard work they have all put in over the years.

“I am proud of my staff for helping me implement my goals,” he said. “As Sheriff, we have worked together to achieve my primary goals of treating the citizens of Charlotte County honestly and fairly and ensuring that deputies continue to protect and serve the citizens in this county to the best of our ability, and we have also worked very closely with the schools, state police, social services, and other agencies.”

According to Freeman, the sheriff’s office accomplished much during his term.

“We obtained Reaccreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC) in 2023,” Freeman said. “This achievement assures that our office shows consistency in overall operations, management and professionalism of the sheriff’s office.”

In addition, the jail also received recertification, body-worn cameras were purchased for all road deputies, and new uniforms were purchased for staff, and deputies, along with the Tri-County Task Force, made drug arrests.

“I am so grateful to God, my family, staff, friends and the citizens of Charlotte County who have been by my side supporting me, encouraging me and praying for me all these years,” Freeman said.