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Beginning Jan. 1, there will be a new sheriff in town.

Charlotte County voters took to the polls on election day, Nov. 7, to elect James R. “Randy” Grissom as the county’s newest sheriff with 74% of the vote. 

Grissom was opposed by two other candidates, Charlie E. Brinkley Jr. and Weldon Robert Wilmoth Jr.

“I would like to thank the citizens for voting yesterday,” Grissom said following the election. “ I am honored to hold this position and look forward to serving the citizens and community of Charlotte County on January 1, 2024, when I officially begin my position as Sheriff. 

In the spring of this year, Grissom announced his intent to seek the post of sheriff after current Sheriff Royal Freeman said he would not be seeking reelection. 

In a post on his social media page, Grissom noted, “It has been a pleasure meeting and getting to know many of you over the last several months as I shared my plans if elected Sheriff of Charlotte County. The amount of support that I have received has been amazing.”

Grissom began his career with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in July of 1997 and was hired by Sheriff Thomas Jones. 

“During my 25+ year career with the Sheriff’s Office, I have held numerous positions beginning as a Correctional officer (class of 1998), Patrol Deputy (class of 1999), School Resource Officer at Randolph-Henry High School, Master Deputy, and Narcotics Investigator attached to the Virginia State Police Drug Task Force. I was promoted to Patrol Lieutenant, then Patrol Captain. I currently serve as Major to Sheriff Royal Freeman.”

During his announcement, Grissom explained that as second in command of the Sheriff’s Office, it is his responsibility to oversee the daily operations of the entire department.

“I have had extensive training to include Fielding Training Officer, General Instructor, and Project Life Saver,” Grissom said. “I have also served as a tactical team member from its inception. I have participated in every accreditation since January 2007, when we received our initial state accreditation. I will continue and strive to maintain the department’s accreditation through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. Over my career, I have served, protected, and been dedicated to the citizens of Charlotte County. I feel that I am very well-qualified to serve you as Sheriff.”

Once he takes office, Grissom said one of his primary goals will be to expand the K-9 unit for drug detection to aid in the ongoing fight against illegal narcotics. 

“I plan to provide 24-hour law enforcement coverage for the county. I also plan to reestablish our tactical team, a valuable resource to combat drug and criminal activity. 

According to Grissom, he and Sheriff Freeman worked to implement body cameras worn by patrol deputies for transparency. A plan he said he would continue. 

“As Sheriff, I will continue to support and engage with the public to promote transparency within the department. The deputies do an excellent job of serving and protecting the community. Grissom said. “Above all, I intend to place the safety and well-being of the citizens first.”