Salem Sheriff, April Staton, announced her resignation from the Salem office this morning, effective August 31, 2024. Staton has served Salem’s citizens as a valued member of the Sheriff’s Office since 2003.
“I came to the Sheriff’s Office without any knowledge of law enforcement, but once on the job, I fell in love with the opportunities we have to affect someone’s life in a positive way,” Staton said. “I am very proud I was able to earn the respect of our citizens and build on the traditions of the Salem Sheriff’s Office.”
In 2006 Staton was selected as the Sheriff Office’s Master Deputy, and she served in this role until she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2008. In that position, Staton provided front line supervision and managed the day-to-day operations to ensure all functions were handled safely and efficiently in the courthouse. In 2014, Sheriff Ric Atkins selected her as Chief Deputy and she remained second in command until replacing the retiring-Sheriff on January 1, 2018.
“My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me along with some grit, but it has been my time in the Sheriff’s Office that has taught me the greatest lessons,” she said. “I have learned from many throughout my career, but I have gained the most from former Sheriff Atkins.”
Atkins took a chance on Staton when she was as green as the trees and shrubs she was assigned to trim as a young employee in the City of Salem’s Beautification Division before her law enforcement career began.
“He guided and prepared me along the way for each chapter of my career, but most precious to me has been his unwavering loyalty and friendship,” Staton said.
Staton is a Lexington native who graduated from Rockbridge County High School and Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and attended Columbia Southern University. As sheriff, she manages 12 employees who strive to fulfill the mission of civil process, court security, and transportation of inmates and other persons in custody.
“I believe we have built a culture of caring and compassion that shows we are truly committed to this city and individuals we encounter each day,” she said.
Staton is the fourth Sheriff to lead Salem since it achieved city status in 1968. The office is fully accredited and fully immersed in the community. Members actively volunteer their time with a variety of projects and non-profit organizations ranging from Special Olympics to Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
The next step will involve Salem City Council members. At their next meeting on Monday night, they are expected to vote to petition the Circuit Court to issue a writ to hold a special election at the same time as the upcoming November general election to fill the sheriff vacancy.
The individual who is elected would begin on January 1, 2025, and finish Sheriff Staton’s current term that expires December 31, 2025.
To ensure a seamless transition of power, the Court also will appoint an interim Sheriff from within the current ranks, pursuant to the Virginia Code. This individual will take over right after Staton departs and serve from September 1, 2024, until January 1, 2025.
“I want to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the citizens, friends, and family members who have supported me throughout my career and through two elections,” Staton said. “There are many people who have shaped me into the leader I have become, and I hope to pay it forward with others and share the knowledge I have gained, as I conquer new beginnings.”