Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office

11/01/2026

🎃👮 A LITTLE HALLOWEEN FUN, A LOT OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT! 🍬

Natural Bridge Elementary’s Trunk or Treat was a great time, and we want to give a special shout-out to our very own School Resource Deputy, Sergeant Patrick Word!

Patrick goes above and beyond his duties every day, and his connection with the students is something special. He genuinely cares about these kids, enjoys spending time with them, and always finds a way to put a smile on their faces. And judging by the smiles in these pictures, the feeling is certainly mutual! ❤️

Sheriff Tony McFaddin shared:

"One of the greatest rewards of being in law enforcement is having the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of our young people. I want our children to know that the men and women who wear this badge are not just here to protect them, but are here to support them, encourage them, and be someone they can trust. Sergeant Word does an outstanding job building those relationships, and I'm proud of the connection he has with the students at Natural Bridge Elementary."

Whether he's keeping our schools safe, building relationships, handing out candy, or simply being someone the kids can count on, Patrick understands that being a School Resource Deputy is about much more than wearing a badge.

The kids love Sergeant Word, and he loves those kids right back!

Thank you, Patrick, for representing the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office so well and for making a difference in the lives of our young people. We're proud to have you on our team!

Happy Halloween from the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office! 🎃🍭

10/31/2026

💙 Sometimes the best days are about nothing more than making someone smile.

This week, Deputy Emily Fary and Deputy Will Lawhorn spent a wonderful morning with the residents of Shenandoah Nursing Home. There were balloon animals, music, dancing, laughter, and even a special appearance by Deputy Fary’s service animal, Petunia the Rt. 11 Possum! 🐾🎈🎶

We often talk about community policing, but this is what it looks like. It’s taking the time to connect with people, share a laugh, and remind them that they are an important part of our community.

“These are the moments that make me proud to be Sheriff. Emily and Will weren’t there because they had to be. They were there to spend time with some very special people and hopefully brighten their day. Judging by the smiles, I think everyone’s day was a little brighter.” — Sheriff Tony McFaddin

Thank you to the wonderful residents and staff at Shenandoah Nursing Home for welcoming us. We enjoyed every minute of it! ❤️🚔

10/31/2026

🎃🏴‍☠️ Arrrgh…What a great day at Fairfield Elementary School’s Trunk-or-Treat! 🍬👻

Pirate Deputy Emily Fary and Lieutenant Chris Young had an awesome time spending the day with the students and families at Fairfield Elementary!

One of the best parts of what we do is having opportunities like this to interact with our young people outside of the traditional law enforcement setting. Building relationships, sharing some laughs, and creating positive memories with our youth is what community policing is all about.

“I’ve always believed that some of the most important relationships we build are with the young people in our community. When our kids get to know our deputies, laugh with them, and see the person behind the badge, we’re building trust that can last for years to come.” — Sheriff Tony McFaddin

Thank you, Fairfield Elementary, for inviting us to be part of such a fun event! 🎃🚔💙

10/24/2026

10/24/2026

🍂 GOSHEN FALL FESTIVAL IS UNDERWAY! 🍂

The Town of Goshen Fall Festival is officially underway, and there is still plenty of fun, food, and fellowship to enjoy!

While the always-popular lawnmower races have concluded, the festival is still buzzing with activity.

We encourage everyone to come out, support our local vendors, enjoy the festivities, and spend some time with friends, neighbors, and visitors from across the region.

Events like the Goshen Fall Festival showcase the strong sense of community that makes our area such a special place to live and work.

Whether you're stopping by for a meal, shopping with local artisans, or simply enjoying the beautiful fall weather, there's something for everyone.

"I am grateful to the Town of Goshen, the dedicated volunteers, and all those who work so hard to make this event a success each year. Community events like this bring people together and celebrate the very best of Rockbridge County." – Sheriff Tony McFaddin

We hope to see you there this afternoon!

🍁🎃🚜

10/24/2026

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Today!

Stop by Walmart in Lexington today between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and meet Sergeant Patrick Word and Deputy Cole Tackett, who are assisting with the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative.

This is a safe, convenient, and anonymous opportunity to dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medications. Proper disposal helps prevent prescription drug misuse, accidental poisonings, and keeps medications from falling into the wrong hands.

"One of the simplest things we can do to make our community safer is to properly dispose of unused medications. Every pill removed from a medicine cabinet is one less opportunity for misuse, theft, or accidental ingestion. I encourage everyone to stop by today and take advantage of this important program."
— Sheriff Tony McFaddin

"Many people don't realize how many unused or expired medications are sitting in their homes. Drug Take Back Day provides a safe and secure way to dispose of them while helping protect our families and our community. We hope you'll stop by and see us today." — Sergeant Word

📍 Walmart Lexington
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Take a few minutes, clean out your medicine cabinet, and help us make Rockbridge County a safer place.

10/24/2026

🚔🍧 When you’re posted up guarding the door, the radio is on your vest, the shades are on, and the popsicle is in service! 😂😎

Some deputies carry coffee… Natural Bridge Elementary School Resource Deputy SGT Patrick Word carries a red popsicle and still looks like he’s about to ask for your license and registration! 🍧🚔

“Sir, do you know how fast you were eating that popsicle?” 😂

10/23/2026

🏈 Let's Help a Neighboring Virginia Community Win Big! 🏈

Folks, I know this request may seem a little unusual. While Augusta County and Buffalo Gap may be our rivals on the athletic field from time to time, this is one of those opportunities where communities can come together to support something bigger than competition.

Buffalo Gap High School has a chance to receive a $1 million athletic field upgrade through T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights competition. For a small rural school, this type of investment could have a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes and the entire community.

As someone who believes strongly in investing in our youth, I hope you'll take a minute to help. Voting only takes a few seconds, and every vote counts. The competition ends October 25.

✅ Click the voting link -

https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights?icid=MGPO_TMO_U_FRIDAYNL5G_E6108BF45947515E43583 -anchor

✅ Select the East Region
✅ Choose Buffalo Gap High School
✅ Enter your phone number and submit your vote

Let's show what Virginia communities can do when we rally together for our young people. Best of luck to the students, families, coaches, and supporters of Buffalo Gap High School!