|
Larry Norfleet
BY CHARLES GARRATT • STAFF WRITER
 | | Larry Norfleet |
|
WARM SPRINGS - Larry Norfleet is a familiar face around Bath County, mostly in the Virginia State Police uniform he wore for 29 years.
Norfleet was first assigned to this area in 1995, which he considers a blessing since Bath has become his permanent home. He retired in March with the rank of master trooper, one of only about 100 in the state.
"I wouldn't ask my deputies to do anything I wouldn't," Norfleet said about working shifts and other duties. And as sheriff, all deputies will work shifts on rotations.
Being sheriff is not just an administrative job, said Norfleet. The sheriff is also a law enforcement officer. Norfleet says he has a passion for Bath County and "wants it to be as safe as I can possibly make it."
The sheriff's office should en- force the law and "look for violations as opposed to overlooking." This includes having deputies' vehicles speedometers calibrated and using radar to address specific complaints.
Norfleet doesn't expect his deputies to work radar every day. The state police are doing a "wonderful job" in that regard, he says. Norfleet would also continue to rely on the state police for traffic accident investigations except for minor accidents like hitting a deer in the middle of the night.
On the other hand, Norfleet feels the sheriff's department relies too much on the state police for criminal investigations. The department, he said, should have a trained investigator on staff.
For what the department does at the present time, Norfleet feels it is adequately funded. However, he thinks deputies are under paid. He would like to seek federal grants to help alleviate some of the needs of the department.
Norfleet pointed to an interesting way the county could increase the amount of money available to the sheriff's department. Currently, he said, all the fines and court costs collected in the district court go back to the state. If the county adopts the state code into the local ordinances, the fines come back to the county earmarked for law enforcement, he said.
As a trooper, Norfleet said he is familiar with laws on providing information to citizens. While he recognizes the department cannot give out information that would hurt an ongoing investigation, he said the public has a right to know what is happening in the county.
In addition, Norfleet wants "an interaction between public and officers." He wants citizens to feel comfortable stopping an officer on the street to chat. "All deputies have to be people persons," he said. Deputies and the sheriff need to be "where the public can give them tips and ideas."
As sheriff, Norfleet will continue sheriff Tommy Black's night time business checks. He said the department is not too busy to also add wellness checks for elderly residents.
Norfleet does not support deputies coaching or doing other community activities while on the clock. He says there needs to be a link between kids and the sheriff's department and he is willing to be flexible in scheduling where possible.
The department has some "wonderful deputies," added Norfleet. With some goals in mind and clear leadership, he believes law enforcement will go forward. He said he can provide leadership he feels the department currently lacks.
As a trooper, Norfleet has handled the full range of law enforcement duties and challenges. He has completed nearly 100 training courses through the state police ranging from radar, drug interdiction, gangs to Espanol for law enforcement.
He would be out with deputies as much as possible and responding to major calls, if elected, he said. Norfleet plans to be available to citizens. He plans to attend the supervisors' monthly meeting and put himself on the agenda quarterly.
Better drug enforcement will be a top priority, he said. Norfleet supports the regional multi-jurisdictional force but the one Bath officer assigned isn't enough to cover the county needs in this area, he believes.
Norfleet says a law enforcement officer should always remember he is dealing with people and should temper justice with compassion. But Norfleet has a line that shouldn't be crossed, he said.
"People should know what you stand for. They should also know what you won't stand for," he said.
About the
candidate
¦ R. Larry Norfleet, 53 ¦ 29 years Virginia State Police, retired. ¦ Master trooper, certifications still active. ¦ Resident of Pond Hill
| 
