Thanks for a job well done

 

The corridor outside the Goochland General District courtroom buzzed with anticipation on the morning of May 8 filled with people awaiting the arrival of former Goochland Sheriff Jim Agnew for the formal unveiling of his official portrait.

Mary and Herb Griffith and Don Bewkes watch as Jim Agnew greets Jimmy Mann

Agnew, kept in the dark about the event, was cajoled to the site by his wife, Hon. Dale Agnew, former Clerk of the Goochland Circuit Court. Agnew worked his way through the crowd giving and receiving hugs, handshakes, and hearty greetings.

During his tenure as Goochland’s chief law enforcement officer, Agnew worked to improve the professionalism of the organization. On his watch, among other achievements, the department earned multiple consecutive accreditations from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission and a reputation for excellence.  

Sheriff Steven Ned Creasey, Agnew’s successor, spoke briefly before the unveiling.

Creasey said that Agnew got him into law enforcement almost thirty years ago. “How do you thank someone who has given so much of his life to Goochland County, first as game warden, and then for 28 years as Sheriff, who still fights for what’s right in Goochland County every day?”

A chorus of “aahs” and applause greeted the unveiling of the portrait, whose plaque reads “James L. Agnew Sheriff 1992 to 2019.”

Former and Current Sheriffs Jim Agnew and Steven Creasey

Agnew said it was great to see the many current and former employees, friends, and supporters who filled the hallway. “Nothing works unless you guys do what you’re supposed to do. And everyone here always went above and beyond the call of duty. Thank God, we have you in this community to keep us safe. I really appreciate what you do and how hard it can be. I will aways advocate for you from dispatchers and part- and full-time deputies to everybody here. I know what your daily life is like, it’s not an easy job. We are very, very fortunate to have all of you folks here to keep us safe. Thank God for Goochland and that we’re not Henrico or Chesterfield. Let’s keep it that way and I we will as long as all of you guys stay and do your job. It was a pleasure working with you and I miss you. This is quite an honor, thank you so much.”